At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled after a night of rain. I dip my cupped hands. I drink a long time. It tastes like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold into my body, waking the bones. I hear them deep inside me, whispering oh what is that beautiful thing that just happened?
Mary OliverWhen it's over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
Mary OliverI went to India and was quite taken with it. There's a feeling there that things are holy first and useful second. And in America, we have it backwards.
Mary OliverEvery word is a messenger. Some have wings; some are filled with fire; some are filled with death.
Mary Oliver