3
Life
Today felt ordinary, just another day of twenty-four hours marked by bits of sunshine and rain. Yet, in the midst of this normalcy, ambition, restless and uneasy, nudged me to get moving. It urged me to be productive, to chase goals and dreams. However, I found myself in a different place, nestled in the mossy shadows under the trees. There was a truth I couldn’t ignore: I didn’t want to let go of the comforting embrace of idleness. The thought of trading my life for money felt wrong. I didn’t even feel the need to seek shelter from the rain. In that serene, natural setting, I found a sense of peace that ambition couldn't offer.
Summary:
Mary Oliver’s "Black Oaks" captures a moment of reflection where the speaker confronts the pressure to be ambitious and productive but ultimately chooses to embrace the tranquility and contentment found in idleness and nature. This introspection highlights a personal preference for peace over the relentless pursuit of success.
Notes:
- Ambition vs. Idleness:
This passage explores the tension between the drive to be productive and the desire to simply exist and enjoy the moment.
- As Refuge:
The natural setting is portrayed as a comforting, almost sacred space that contrasts with the pressures of societal expectations.
- Personal Reflection:
There’s a personal revelation about the value of time and life beyond just productivity and financial gain.