Variation on a Theme by Mary Oliver
Laurie Kolp
Start by unbecoming.
Unbecome the doubt.
You can live without
the insecurity,
walking on your knees
through red-hot sand
begging for forgiveness.
Tell me about your guilt,
I will tell you about mine.
Meanwhile, life goes on.
The tide drifts high and low
as moon and earth play tug-of-war.
Meanwhile, children jump
the waves and wrestle seaweed
while tossing frisbees, grownups
gather shark teeth and sand dollars.
Meanwhile, clouds swallow the sun
and it returns. It always returns
like each new day.
As you wallow in self-pity,
the ocean welcomes you.
Until you unbecome,
you will drown
while those you love
float on by.
Laurie Kolp’s poems have appeared in the Southern Poetry Anthology VIII: Texas, Stirring, Whale Road Review, concis and Up the Staircase. Her poetry books include the full-length Upon the Blue Couch and the chapbook Hello, It’s Your Mother. An avid runner and lover of nature, Laurie lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
