“Don’t Hesitate” (poetry recitation)

On By Michele LeeIn Poetic Prose, recitation, Video

“Don’t Hesitate” by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Visit my post, “Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me” to watch last year’s post-turkey-day recitation and to learn more about poet, Mary Oliver.

Three weeks ago, I shared the release of Kym Gordon Moore’s recently released book titled, We are Poetry. I have been enjoying reading her book and had the pleasure of writing a review:

Kym Gordon Moore’s book, We are Poetry, is more than a collection of engaging poems. Moore recognizes the potential of poetry to empower the individual and to connect people; she gives examples of how this has unfolded in her own life. Her passion for the art form invites and excites the reader to join her – to view poetry with a fresh perspective. Her book is layered with enriching discussion, experiences, information, insights, and of course, her poetry. Divided in “Lessons,” I appreciated the organizational structure of her book and her inclusion of an index. “We are Poetry” would be a valuable reference on my desk if I were still teaching in a high school classroom, not as another impersonal textbook, but as a rich conversation centered around poetry.  

Click here to read a preview and to order her book.

Thank you for visiting, reading, and watching. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo 1: by YanLev

© 2022 MyInspiredLife

70 thoughts on ““Don’t Hesitate” (poetry recitation)”

  4. A wonderful poem by Mary Oliver and a lovely recitation, Michele. You have a very pleasant voice, and I also enjoyed your earnest, joyful and encouraging review of Kym’s “We are Poetry” book. You rock, my friend ~ have a beautiful weekend 🌞

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    1. Yes, it is, a wonderful poem. Oliver had a gift of writing both simply and profoundly. A special artist who is missed. 🌟 Thank you, it was my pleasure to do both. The weekend is off to a lovely start. 🙏🏻 Wishing you the same photographer Phil. 📸

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  13. Your voice is perfect for the poem. It is light but has enough weight to be calming. And all the words are so clear. Poetry is amazing IMHO. Because it can express so much emotion and feeling in so few words. I read poems on WPress written by poets on the other side of the world and their life is completely different than mine and yet I can understand the emotional picture they paint with their words. Thank you for sharing this poem with us in your recitation.

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  18. It’s true, Michele. Joy is not made (nor meant) to be a crumb. It is meant to make us sing, shout, rejoice. It is sometimes coupled with “gladness”. Joy fills us–a crumb can’t do that. To experience joy is a blessing, so we should embrace it wholeheartedly when it comes. Thanks for sharing and reciting this poem 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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