LONELINESS   by Mary Oliver

I too have known loneliness.

I too have known what it is to feel

      misunderstood,

      rejected, and suddenly

not at all beautiful.

Oh, mother earth,

     your comfort is great, your arms never withhold.

It has saved my life to know this.

Your rivers flowing, your roses opening in the morning.

Oh, motions of tenderness!

~~~

Lisa:

Yes.  I am bathed in tenderness here in St Thomas, and my loneliness is soothed.

But what about Mother Earth?

Has she known loneliness?

Felt misunderstood?

Rejected, and suddenly 

Not at all beautiful?

 

And whose arms will hold and comfort her?

Who will save her life?

 

Most of all,

Who will remain tender?