WHY I WAKE EARLY

Mary Oliver’s book of poems Why I Wake Early is a tribute to the aspects of her life that inspire her to greet the dawn. I also find joy in early mornings, and will use this blog to share the stories and scraps of wisdom I collect and that keep me enthusiastic to get up each new day.

Disclaimer: The content of this website is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Nepal Government.

Why I Wake Early
by Mary Oliver

Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who make the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and crotchety–

best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light–
good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.

Hello! Hola! Namaste!

Born the in the redwoods of Northern California, I moved to Moscow, ID to study Fishery Resources at the University of Idaho, and then to Costa Rica for 9 months to study Environmental Sciences and Spanish. I am passionate about food and water security across the globe, and on March 30th, 2017, I will be moving to Nepal for 27 months as a Crop and Nutrition Education Peace Corps Volunteer.

In my free time, you can catch me tramping through the wilderness, hosting potlucks, barn dancing, or exploring via bike.