The Poem called: “Don’t Hesitate”.

By Rod Mitchell in All Sorts

maybe joy is not just a passive experience, but an active force that can help us navigate the challenges of life.

The Poem called: “Don’t Hesitate”
Rod Mitchell
Mary Oliver's poem "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t
hesitate" is a profound reflection on the human condition, the fleeting
nature of joy, and the importance of embracing it.
The Poem called: “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 possibilities left.
Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happened 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.

Some reflection on this poem:
The poem begins with a direct command: "If you suddenly and
unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it." This
opening line is a powerful reminder that joy, like many other
emotions, is often fleeting and unpredictable. It can strike at
any moment, without warning, and it is up to us to
acknowledge and embrace it. Oliver's use of the imperative
"don’t hesitate" is a call to action, urging readers to not let fear
or hesitation stand in the way of experiencing joy.
The second stanza introduces a stark reality: "There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be." This line
serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the world.
Oliver is not suggesting that joy is unimportant in the face of
such destruction, but rather that joy is a precious commodity
that should not be squandered. The poem acknowledges the
suffering and despair that exist in the world, but it also
emphasises that joy is not diminished by these realities.
Instead, it suggests that joy can be a source of strength and
resilience in the face of adversity.
Oliver then goes on to critique human nature, stating, "We are
not wise, and not very often kind." This line serves to remind
readers of their own limitations and shortcomings. It is a
reminder that we are all human, prone to error and often
lacking in wisdom and kindness. However, Oliver does not
dwell on these shortcomings; instead, she uses them as a
springboard to encourage readers to embrace the moments of
joy that they do experience.
The poem then shifts to a more hopeful tone, stating, "And
much can never be redeemed." This line suggests that while
there are many things in life that cannot be changed or
undone, joy is one of the things that can. It is a reminder that
even in the face of loss and despair, there is always the
possibility of joy. This idea is further reinforced in the next line,
"Still, life has some possibility left." Oliver is suggesting that
despite the hardships and tragedies of life, there is still room
for hope and happiness.
The poem then offers a possible explanation for why joy exists:
"Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches or power in the
world." This line suggests that joy is not just a fleeting
emotion, but a force that can challenge and even triumph over
the hardships of life. It is a reminder that joy is not just a
passive experience, but an active force that can help us
navigate the challenges of life.
The poem then shifts to a more personal level, suggesting that
joy is often experienced in the moments of love: "It could be
anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love
begins." This line is a reminder that joy is often found in the
most intimate and personal moments of life. It is a call to
cherish and nurture these moments, to recognise and
appreciate the love that exists in the world.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps its most powerful:
"Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be
afraid." This line is a powerful reminder that joy is not
something to be feared or avoided. It is a call to embrace the
moments of happiness that life offers, to not let fear or despair
stand in the way of experiencing joy. Oliver's use of the phrase
"don’t be afraid" is a powerful reminder that joy is a
fundamental part of the human experience, and that it is
something to be embraced and celebrated.
In conclusion, Mary Oliver's poem "If you suddenly and
unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate" is a powerful reflection
on the human condition, the fleeting nature of joy, and the
importance of embracing it. The poem encourages readers to
recognise and appreciate the moments of happiness that life
offers, to not let fear or despair stand in the way of
experiencing joy, and to recognize that joy is a force that can
help us navigate the challenges of life. Through its direct and
straightforward language, Oliver's poem is a call to live fully, to
embrace the moments of joy that life offers, and to find hope
and strength in the face of adversity.