Joy is not made to be a crumb

Dear Sparrow:

Joy and sorrow are conflicting emotions that run rampant through my days, one cancelling out the other almost as soon as it is felt, leaving me confused and dazed and, at times, guilt ridden. How can I, for example, have such a hard week with Fledgling, as I did last week, and still have moments of inspiring happiness (as I told you about in my last email - a teaser for anyone not privy to that email, I know!). What I have discovered is this: I should allow each emotion its time to shine without feeling guilt when one replaces the other. It is far too easy to feel pain and ignore happiness but, it is true, that "joy is not made to be a crumb". To ignore it would be a crime, no?

Don't Hesitate

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,

don't hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty

of lives and whole towns destroyed or about

to be.  We are not wise, and not very often

kind.  And much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this

is its way of fighting back, that sometimes

something happens better than all the riches

or power in the world. It could be anything,

but very likely you notice it in the instant

when love begins. Anyway, that's often the

case. Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid

of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Mary Oliver

Swan

Love Always,

A "learning to allow JOY in her life", Red Bird