This poem by Mary Oliver The Journey into Hep C inspired me a lot when I found out I had Hepatitis C, during treatment, and beyond. I read it often when discouraged, frightened, or feeling lonely.
The Journey
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you kept shouting
their bad advice —
though the whole house began to tremble
and you felt the old tug at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy was terrible.
It was already late enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do —
determined to save
the only life you could save.
4 thoughts on “Mary Oliver The Journey into Hep C”
Interesting. I didn’t realize Mary Oliver had Hep C. I’ve seen her poems on the blogs of friends and really like her poetry but never saw this one before.
Rubye – Mary Oliver does not have Hepatitis C to my knowledge. I just love her poetry and found a lot of comfort in her words after my diagnosis. Summers Day and the Journey in the classroom, but took on a new meaning when I got sick.
I hope your job search and your move is going well. Fall weather has hit in Oklahoma and I’m enjoying the cool mornings. xoxo Karen:)
How have I missed this amazing poem as many times as I visited your inspiring blogs and your wealth of knowledge you share with us?!?
There are no words to express how much this poem has touched me. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!!!!! and… thank you for all you do to help others with hcv and crappy livers . You’re an incredible lady, and I feel truly blessed that our paths have crossed in this lifetime. 🙂
Aw. What sweet words. YES! I started off thinking I would add fave poems and then it didn’t ever happen a lot. But that one poem really speaks to us in the middle of our mess, doesn’t it? I’m so glad to see that you found it dear friend. I”m blessed that you’re my friend. Love you… Karen