When I Am Among the Trees
Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”
Reprinted by the permission of The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author.
Copyright © Mary Oliver 2006 with permission of Bill Reichblum
Matthew Cook
September 2, 1930 – January 6, 2021
Matthew Loved Taking Care Of The North Pond Area Trees. Working With Openlands Treekeepers, He And His Crew Pruned Them, Watered Them During Droughts, And Dragged Wheelbarrows Of Mulch To Nourish And Protect Their Roots.
The Trees You See All Around You Are Healthier Because Of Matt And The Neighbors He Recruited To Lend A Hand.
Matthew Also Created The Flower Beds On Both Sides Of The Deming Underpass Just A Few Feet Away From This Bench. The Lincoln Park Conservancy Will Add Native Plants To The Daylilies And The Bleeding Hearts, Continuing To Help Welcome Visitors At This Colorful Entrance To The Park.
Matthew’s Efforts Live On Through The Nature Of North Pond, Bringing Joy And Inspiration To Us All.
