Capable Quote by Mary Oliver
“Mornings at Blackwater" For years, every morning, I drank from Blackwater Pond. It was flavored with oak leaves and also, no doubt, the feet of ducks. And always it assuaged me from the dry bowl of the very far past. What I want to say is that the past is the past, and the present is what your life is, and you are capable of choosing what that will be, darling citizen. So come to the pond, or the river of your imagination, or the harbor of your longing, and put your lips to the world. And live your life.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Mornings at Blackwater” by Mary Oliver, 1992
The poem invites embracing the present, letting go of past regrets, and actively shaping one’s life through imagination and choice.
In simple terms: Live now, choose your future, let go of the past.
Key Takeaway
Choose and act now.
Themes
presence
choice
imagination
letting go
life
Mood
reflective
hopeful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
poetic
When to use this quote
- daily reflection
- personal decision making
- creative writing
- mindful meditation
Key Concepts
mindfulness
existential freedom
creative agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imagination help you shape your present?
- What choices can you make today to align with your desired future?
A Different Perspective
The past can still influence present emotions and decisions.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
