What does one do with things?

Vermischtes

Storage

When I moved from one house to another
there were many things I had no room
for. What does one do? I rented a storage
space. And filled it. Years passed.
Occasionally I went there and looked in,
but nothing happened, not a single
twinge of the heart.
As I grew older the things I cared
about grew fewer, but were more
important. So one day I undid the lock
and called the trash man. He took
everything.
I felt like the little donkey when
his burden is finally lifted. Things!
Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful
fire! More room in your heart for love,
for the trees! For the birds who own
nothing – the reason they can fly.

by Mary Oliver, from „Devotions“

I read this poem one morning and it fits perfectly with my situation of clearing out my office and transforming it into a creative space. It’s not that easy, especially with the books. So I’m grateful for Mary’s wisdom.