Felicity

by Mary Oliver

For how many years did I wander slowly through the forest. What wonder and glory I would have missed had I ever been in a hurry!

I Wake Close to Morning Why do people keep asking to see God’s identity papers when the darkness opening into morning is more than enough?

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.

For Tom Shaw S.S.J.E. (1945–2014) Where has this cold come from? “It comes from the death of your friend.” Will I always, from now on, be this cold? “No, it will diminish. But always it will be with you.” What is the reason for it? “Wasn’t your friendship always as beautiful as a flame?”

I did think, let’s go about this slowly. This is important. This should take some really deep thought. We should take small thoughtful steps. But, bless us, we didn’t.

Every day has something in it whose name is Forever.