Roses, by Mary Oliver
‘The look on her face in a dream
stayed with me all day.
Like a promise I had failed..’
“Not that I had made any —
Not that I could remember —
But she was looking into the north…”
“Where nothing lives but white clouds
Of crying birds, like bits of snow.
And the grass on which she was standing…”
“And the roses thick on the fences
Were soft and bright, able to renew themselves
As a woman, finally, cannot do…”
-By Mary Oliver.
Guess what, Jon? Birds Are Art…
Mass MOCA, the vast museum once a massive mill in Massachusetts, is one of our favorite places to go. I love photographing Maria and trying to capture her deep love of museums. We were sad today. We had to kill the White Hen. Her arduous struggle to stay alive and fend off ended when some flies began to feed on her, a sure sign her death was near. It was time to put an end to it. The mites and flowers know when death is imminent.
The huge converted mill is worth the trip alone. The renovation is a stunning piece of art, almost half a mile long.
Maria powerfully bonded with the chicken. She loved taking care of it, and I was deeply touched by how this chicken turned to her, trusted her, and kept our promise to have a peaceful and caring death. The two were able to talk and listen to one another. I knew the museum would perk her up, and it did.
The museum trip felt good, as it always does. The size of the exhibits is breathtaking. It lifted us up. I love seeing her joy and affirmation when she can look at that beautiful art.
I can’t resist trying to capture her love of art. Mass MOCA put it in focus in many ways. I took a few color photos as well as black-and-white photos. It is a powerful experience. Come along. I was proud of us, especially of her.
(Maria is the dot in one of the museum’s enormous display rooms.
Maria is never unhappy in an art museum.
Maria says she will miss taking care of the White Hen. I will miss the beauty of seeing the bonds that can form between humans and animals.
Walking down a narrow hall.
Tea, the gift of calm.
We’re off to a museum, taking the day off from the food pantry to mark Easter and give everyone a breather. Thanks, thanks, thanks. We’re taking the rest of the day off.
Morning light.
The Besties on their daily walk.
Landscape, dawn.
Maria, you kept faith with the White Hen to the end, as she was faithful to us for 12 years. As promised, she died in comfort and with dignity.
The new Spring birds are starting to show up. I was thrilled to see this fearless Red-Wing Black Bird at the window.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King.
___
For the first time, Sarah was so overwhelmed and grateful for the Army of Good that she suggested we take a day off and celebrate the good we’ve done.
e. “People went berserk for baking supplies; we are so grateful,” she said. So, Maria and I are going to North Adams, Mass, to spend a day at the excellent Mass MoCA museum and visit the restaurant we love. We’re going with a friend. I’ll be home later today, but won’t ask for pantry support until tomorrow. We all need a rest. Unfortunately, the pantry can’t afford more than that.
They fight day by day for the work they do.
(Tracy and Barb start unpacking above. There are a score of boxes to unpack.)
Thanks so much. Sarah says the pantry is loaded with baked goods, but just three days later, the Regional Food Bank could not send a single item. This week, it is expected to be busier than ever, but it’s not clear if the food bank can send baked goods. Thank you; the pantry is ready.
The families will be immensely grateful. Everyone at the pantry says the Army of Good is a blessing. Ditto. You always come through.
You all deserve a day off, too, in honor of Easter. Of course, we’ll be back for more tomorrow. “I’ll be stocked for weeks!” Sarah said, “They are so generous.” Yup.
You’ve all done so much, I hope you have a restful and peaceful day. I don’t think I’ve skipped today for nearly a year. I look forward to tomorrow; this has become a central part of my life, and I love it daily. I wish I could thank you all enough. So I’ll say thank you again, and bless you 100 times over.
Happy Easter to you, too, Sarah. You work day and night to help people who struggle to eat. Bless you! See you tomorrow!
And Happy Birthday, Mr. Christ. You are not forgotten.
