THE MARY OLIVER POEM - (24 November 2008)

The little Mouse
face-to-face
with the Grizzly
on the cover of
Mary Oliver's book
reminds me of
the little one
seen on my walk
t'other day
stretched-out
on Radipole's
outer perimeter path
a red bead of blood
like a regurgitated
small redcurrant
seemingly caught
in its mouth.
Mary would've stopped and
taken it home
for a ceremonial burial
in her garden
under an apple
or damson tree.
She would have taken 
the time
even if she were
being stalked by
a Grizzly
to stoop and
carry it home.
i did not.
That is what separates
great poets from
the also-rans.

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