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Acceptable Quote by Mary Oliver

“Every spring I hear the thrush singing in the glowing woods he is only passing through. His voice is deep, then he lifts it until it seems to fall from the sky. I am thrilled. I am grateful. Then, by the end of morning, he's gone, nothing but silence out of the tree where he rested for a night…” quote by Mary Oliver
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“Every spring I hear the thrush singing in the glowing woods he is only passing through. His voice is deep, then he lifts it until it seems to fall from the sky. I am thrilled. I am grateful. Then, by the end of morning, he's gone, nothing but silence out of the tree where he rested for a night. And this I find acceptable. Not enough is a poor life. But too much is, well, too much. Imagine Verdi or Mahler every day, all day. It would exhaust anyone.”

Mary Oliver

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Thrush” in Collected Poems, 1992

She reflects on brief, beautiful moments in nature, balancing appreciation with acceptance of impermanence.

In simple terms: Nature’s fleeting beauty teaches gratitude and acceptance.

Key Takeaway

Cherish transient wonders without clinging.

Themes

nature impermanence gratitude balance

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • Morning walks
  • birdwatching
  • meditative writing

Key Concepts

Ephemerality sensory perception existential reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What moments do you let pass unnoticed?
  • How do you balance awe with everyday life?
A Different Perspective

Too much intensity can lead to fatigue.

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