Told to pack nothing (Mary Oliver)

  Another morning and I wake with thirst

for the goodness I do not have.  I walk

out to the pond and all the way God has

given us such beautiful lessons.  Oh Lord,

I was never a quick scholar but sulked

and hunched over my books past the hour

and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,

a little more time.  Love for the earth  

and love for you are having such a long

conversation in my heart.  Who knows what

will finally happen or where I will be sent,

yet already I have given a great many things

away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,

except the prayers which, with this thirst,

I am slowly learning.

--Mary Oliver, Thirst                  

(Boston: Beacon Press, 2006)                 

Image source:  http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/17160/the-commissioning-of-the-disciples