For my enlightened friend, who had a sense of wonder in nature, and who helped others to see it too.

Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous

to be understood.

How grass can be nourishing in the

mouths of the lambs.

How rivers and stones are forever

in allegiance with gravity

while we ourselves dream of rising.

How two hands touch and the bonds will

never be broken.
How people come, from delight

or the scars of damage,

to the comfort of a poem.

Let me keep my distance, always, from those

who think they have the answers.

Let me keep company always with those who say

“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,

and bow their heads.

by Mary Oliver

Evidence : Poems by Mary Oliver, published by Beacon Press, 2009.