I kept my answers small and kept them near;
Big questions bruised my mind but still I let
Small answers be a bulwark to my fear

The huge abstractions I kept from the light;
Small things I handled and caressed and loved.
I let the stars assume the whole of night

But the big answers clamoured to be moved
Into my life. Their great audacity
Shouted to be acknowledged and believed

Even when all small answers build up to
Protection of my spirit, still I hear
Big answers striving for their overthrow

And all the great conclusions coming near


Elizabeth Jennings