"I happen to be standing."

By Rod Mitchell in All Sorts

Mary Oliver's poem invites readers to ponder what it means to engage in prayer and ways to transform prayer from a strictly ritualistic practice into an active engagement with life

Mary Oliver’s poem "I Happen to Be Standing" intricately weaves the theme of prayer into its fabric, presenting a nuanced understanding of spirituality that transcends traditional religious connotations. Oliver, renowned for her deep connection to nature and her contemplative way of observing the world, invites readers to ponder what it means to engage in prayer beyond the act of verbal supplication. In this poem, prayer is not merely a plea directed towards a deity but an encompassing experience of awareness and presence.

Poem: ‘I happen to be standing:’
I don't know where prayers go,
or what they do.
Do cats pray, while they sleep
half-asleep in the sun?
Does the opossum pray as it
crosses the street?
The sunflowers? The old black oak
growing older every year?
I know I can walk through the world,
along the shore or under the trees,
with my mind filled with things of little importance,
in full self-attendance.
A condition I can't really call being alive
Is a prayer a gift, or a petition, or does it matter?
The sunflowers blaze,
maybe that's their way.
Maybe the cats are sound asleep. Maybe not.
While I was thinking this I happened to be standing
just outside my door, with my notebook open,
which is the way I begin every morning.
Then a wren in the privet began to sing.
He was positively drenched in enthusiasm,
I don't know why. And yet, why not?
I wouldn't persuade you from whatever you believe
or whatever you don't. That's your business.
But I thought of the wren's singing, what could this be
if it isn't a prayer?
So I just listened, my pen in the air.
~ from A Thousand Mornings (The Penguin Press, 2012

The poem begins with a simple declaration of existence, "I happen to be standing." This phrase sets the tone for a reflective journey, emphasising the poet's awareness of her surroundings. By grounding herself in the physical act of standing, Oliver subtly reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment. The act of standing becomes a metaphor for stillness, a prelude to deeper contemplation. This stillness is essential for truly engaging with the world, suggesting that prayer, at its core, may be more about observation and connection than about words.
As the poem unfolds, Oliver moves through the natural world, describing the vibrant life that surrounds her. Her use of vivid imagery evokes a sense of wonder and reverence for creation: the light, the trees, the silence. In this way, the poem illustrates that prayer can be found in the act of witnessing nature, the beauty and intricacy of life itself. The simple act of being aware and acknowledging one's surroundings becomes a form of invocation, a call to appreciate the splendour of existence.
Oliver further explores the theme of prayer through the lens of gratitude. The speaker expresses a profound appreciation for the world, recognising that this gratitude is an essential component of what it means to pray. She highlights the importance of acknowledging the gifts provided by nature,
suggesting that such recognition is a sacred experience. This perspective transforms prayer from a strictly ritualistic practice into an active engagement with life, wherein one’s heart opens to the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Additionally, the poem speaks to a sense of interconnectedness. In emphasising the shared experience of being part of a larger whole, Oliver illustrates that prayer is not an isolated act but is woven into the fabric of existence itself. We are all part of the same spiritual tapestry, and acknowledging this connection can deepen our sense of compassion and understanding toward others and the world around us. It invites readers to consider how our actions, thoughts, and observations contribute to a broader spiritual dialogue.
Ultimately, "I Happen to Be Standing" redefines prayer as an embodiment of awareness and presence rather than a mere articulation of desire. Oliver’s words remind us that prayer can be an intimate communion with the world, an appreciation of the mundane that is often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Through her lens, prayer becomes an exercise in mindfulness, urging us to embrace the moment and recognise the divine in the ordinary.
In reflecting on Oliver’s powerful exploration of prayer, one is left with the understanding that spirituality can be found in the simplest of experiences—standing in a field, feeling the wind, and acknowledging one's place in the world. It challenges us to redefine our practices of prayer, suggesting that the act of truly seeing and being present with the world can lead to a profound sense of connection, gratitude, and peace.
Rod Mitchell