There are two lines from a Mary Oliver poem, “Mysteries, Yes” that I adore, in part because it serves as a warning and a reminder that being selective about the people, the energy I allow into my life is an active effort.
I’d planned to send a snippet of Oliver’s poem to a particular person this morning…a dear one who is struggling as she navigates a bumpy trail of unsolicited, narrow-minded input from a friend.
Instead? I decided the message is a worthy reminder for most of us. See what you think:
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.
I’ve had plenty of ‘answer people’ in my life – the folks who found comfort in quick conclusions and used their determinations and appraisals as measuring sticks, assessing those around them.
I understand the comfort that can come from conclusions, but I’m a believer in the power of the open door – to wonder.
Whether it was the majesty of the eclipse last week or nature at work (especially this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere) I see the beauty of works in progress. Trees budding and bursting – showing their delicate blooms in a rainbow of pastel blossoms. The becoming…
Slow-release revelry.
We’re here…we made it. Ready for another show, another growing season of wonder and delight.
Mary Oliver knew. When the know-it-alls summon their opinions and puff up their chests, intent on dominating, I say look for the open-hearted souls. Those who engage in unbridled wonder.
“Mysteries, Yes” by Mary Oliver
“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.”
Vicki ❤
P.S. You might like this…a related post from the Victoria Ponders archives about nature and beautiful blooms.
Victoria Ponders 
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