Of What Surrounds Me by Mary Oliver

Whatever it is I am saying, I always
Need a leaf or a flower, if not an
Entire field.  As for sky, I am wildly
In love with each day’s inventions, cool blue
Or cat gray or full
Of the ships of clouds, I simply can’t
Say whatever it is I am saying without
At least one skyful.  That leaves water, a
Creek or a well, river or ocean, it has to be
There.  For the heart to be there.  For the pen
To be poised.  For the idea to come.

~ from New and Selected Volume Two (Beacon Press, 2005)