to live in this world / you must be able / to do three things / to love what is mortal; / to hold it / against your bones knowing / your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, / to let it go

More quotes by Mary Oliver

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"There are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving. But who wants easier?"

- Mary Oliver

Love

"It is a serious thing – just to be alive – on this fresh morning – in this broken world."

- Mary Oliver

Awareness

"To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work."

- Mary Oliver

Awareness

"It is a serious thing–just to be alive–on this fresh morning–in this broken world."

- Mary Oliver

Awareness

"Instructions for living a life. / Pay attention. / Be astonished. Tell about it."

- Mary Oliver

Awareness

More Love Quotes

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"Love sees not with the eyes, but with the heart."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"The spell will be broken, the Beast will cease to exist, and I will become a prince once more, if she can learn to love and be loved in return."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love is not about finding someone perfect, but about accepting their imperfections."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love can break even the most powerful of curses."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love is not a choice, but a force that binds souls together."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love