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.

This poem appeared in Evidence: Poems by Mary Oliver, published by Beacon Press, 2009.