The Poet: Mary Oliver, “Praying”

“Praying”

“It doesn't have to be the blue iris,

 it could be weeds in a vacant lot, 

or a few small stones;

 just pay attention, 

then patch a few words together 

and don't try to make them elaborate,

 this isn't a contest but the doorway into thanks,

 and a silence in which another voice may speak.”

- Mary Oliver, “Thirst”