Jane Kenyon Quotes (9 Quotes)

No, happiness is the uncle you never
knew about, who flies a single-engine plane
onto the grassy landing strip, hitchhikes
into town, and inquires at every door
until he finds you asleep midafternoon
as you so often are during the unmerciful
hours of your despair.

You make a feast in honor of what
was lost, and take from its place the finest
garment, which you saved for an occasion
you could not imagine, and you weep night and day
to know that you were not abandoned,
that happiness saved its most extreme form
for you alone.

All morning I did the work I love.

Suddenly I understand that I am happy.

How I love the small, swiftly
beating heart of the bird
singing in the great maples;
its bright, unequivocal eye.

I can't bear that trusting face!

And how can you not forgive?

You taught me to exist without gratitude.

I am the heart contracted by joy.