I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us

I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet known for her profound observations of the natural world, often captures moments of wonder and awe in her poetry. In her poem "When Death Comes," Oliver writes, "I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us." This line encapsulates the power of a moment that is so beautiful and profound that it seems to suspend time itself.

Oliver's poetry is filled with moments of stillness and contemplation, where she invites her readers to pause and reflect on the beauty and mystery of the world around them. In "When Death Comes," she explores the idea of embracing life fully and without fear, even in the face of death. The line "I held my breath" suggests a moment of intense focus and presence, as if the speaker is trying to hold onto a fleeting moment of beauty and wonder.

This idea of holding one's breath to stop time is a powerful metaphor for the way we often try to hold onto moments of joy and wonder in our lives. It speaks to the fleeting nature of beauty and the desire to capture and preserve those moments that touch us deeply. In a world that is constantly moving and changing, it is natural to want to hold onto moments of stillness and beauty, to savor them and make them last.

Oliver's poetry is often described as meditative and contemplative, inviting readers to slow down and pay attention to the world around them. In "When Death Comes," she reminds us of the importance of being fully present in our lives, of embracing each moment with gratitude and wonder. The line "I held my breath" serves as a reminder to savor the moments that take our breath away, to hold onto them and cherish them for as long as we can.

Overall, Mary Oliver's poetry encourages us to be present, to pay attention to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, and to hold onto those moments that touch us deeply. In a world that is constantly rushing by, her words remind us to stop, to breathe, and to appreciate the moments that make life truly extraordinary.