Reverence

A couple of (the last two) stanzas from Mary Oliver’s Mysteries, Yes poem stuck with me this morning:

“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.”

The word that comes to mind here is “reverence,” which Webster defines as “profound adoring awed respect.” Reverence doesn’t allow us to think “we have all the answers.” Instead, it causes us to “look,” to “laugh in astonishment.” There is much to look at, much to be astonished by.