How the Poetry of Less Transforms the Soul

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 Written by Cheryl Richardson

In my next life, I would like to be a poet charged with the task of observing life with such precision and amusement that I easily capture its essence in words that pierce the heart.

Mary Oliver is one who has this assignment this time around, and I was reminded of her gift when a member of our community sent me her poem about the things we hold onto (see below).

If you’re lucky, as you age, you begin to loathe clutter and covet space. That’s because the soul knows that less is more, that fewer distractions keep us awake and filled with wonder and appreciation for life. When we devote time and energy to paring down our lives, the simplest sources of joy rise to the surface of the day and delight us with each visit.

Last week, during our Zoom gathering, “Clutter-Free Living in the Wisdom Years,” we started the conversation about letting go. This week, we continue by exploring the energy, inspiration, and momentum that builds when we make progress in emptying our homes and offices of what we no longer love and/or need.

Join us for the celebration and the motivation you need to clear clutter from your life. We’ll meet on Zoom this Wednesday (5/7) at 3pm ET (12 noon PT). You can join here (and listen to last week’s gathering).

Thank you, Danielle, for the Mary Oliver poem. Enjoy!

Storage
by Mary Oliver

When I moved from one house to another
there were many things I had no room
for. What does one do? I rented a storage
space. And filled it. Years passed.
Occasionally I went there and looked in,
but nothing happened, not a single
twinge of the heart.

As I grew older the things I cared
about grew fewer, but were more
important. So one day I undid the lock
and called the trash man. He took
everything.

I felt like the little donkey when
his burden is finally lifted. Things!
Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful
fire! More room in your heart for love,
for the trees! For the birds who own
nothing—the reason they can fly.

Love,
Cheryl

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