Mary Oliver was a trailblazing poet, often referred to as the "pop star" of the literary world. Her captivating style appeals to a diverse range of readers, introducing them to the beauty and power of poetry. Through her use of straightforward language, profound and relatable subjects, and unwavering love for nature, Oliver's works have become a source of comfort and inspiration for students and readers alike.
Mary Oliver was born in 1935 just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She had a difficult upbringing, growing up in a dysfunctional household. Seeking solace, she found solace in the outdoors, where she began writing poetry. These early experiences deeply influenced her future as a poet and prose writer.
In the 1960s, Oliver moved to Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she lived with her partner and literary agent, Molly Malone Cook until Cook's passing in 2005. Known for her privacy, Oliver rarely gave interviews. It was not until her later works that she opened up about her personal experiences. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 83.
Inspired by poets such as Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, and Edna St. Vincent Millay, Oliver's works revolve around the wonder of the natural world. Blurring the lines between speaker and nature, her poems reflect on the observations of wildlife and plant life and their connection to the human experience. Drawing from her daily walks, her poems are contemplative and solitary, yet deeply rooted in a sense of place.
Oliver's poems are highly accessible, yet they hold multiple layers of meaning. Her work shares common themes with Romanticism, a literary movement from the late 18th to the mid 19th century. Similar to writers like William Wordsworth and John Keats, Oliver celebrates nature, finds solace in solitude, and explores inner and spiritual realms. Though she may not be widely studied in academic settings, she remains one of America's most beloved and approachable poets.
One of Oliver's most famous poems, "Wild Geese," was first published in her collection Dream Work (1986). Through the observation of a flock of wild geese, the speaker grapples with feelings of guilt and despair but ultimately finds a sense of belonging. With the speaker directly addressing the audience, many readers find solace and healing in the poem's powerful message.
Another beloved poem by Oliver is "The Summer Day," first published in House of Light (1990). The poem opens with a series of questions that ponder the creation of the world and its creatures. The speaker then shifts their focus to a grasshopper, describing its intricate eyes. In classic Oliver style, the poem turns inward, reflecting on the simple joys of walking through fields, lying on the grass, and embracing idleness. It concludes with a poignant rhetorical question, urging readers to consider how they plan to live their one precious life.
In "Crossing the Swamp" (American Primitive, 1983), the speaker describes their journey through a swamp. Rich in imagery, sound devices, and metaphor, the poem delves deep into the complexities of life's struggles and successes. It is not simply about crossing a body of water but also reflects on one's relationship with resilience and overcoming challenges. With jagged lines, Oliver mirrors the difficulty of navigating through seemingly impassable terrain.
Mary Oliver's poetry continues to capture the hearts of readers with its universal themes and relatable subject matter. Her works transcend time and generations, inspiring and resonating with audiences of all ages. Her legacy lives on, solidifying her place as one of America's most treasured poets.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a renowned poet whose words captured the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Her profound observations and accessible style have made her one of the best-selling contemporary poets in the United States. Her legacy continues to inspire readers through her numerous collections of poetry and her impact on the literary world.
Despite a difficult childhood, Oliver's love for poetry and exploring nature saved her. In a 2015 interview, she reflected on her upbringing and how it shaped her as a writer and a person. She said, "I got saved by poetry, and I got saved by the beauty of the world."
In 1986, Oliver released Dream Work, a collection of forty-five poems that delve into personal histories, failed relationships, and the joy of self-awareness. One of the poems, "The Journey," explores the importance of listening to one's inner voice for guidance and peace. The lines "It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones.
But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own." paint a vivid picture of finding one's own path and voice despite the obstacles in one's way.
In 2017, Devotions was published, featuring over 200 selected poems curated by Oliver herself. This collection offers readers a glimpse into her extensive body of work, with poems that contemplate the natural world, explore emotions of joy and grief, and celebrate the wonder of life.
One of her most famous poems, "The Kingfisher" (1992), was inspired by a kingfisher flapping its wings above water. The lines "The kingfisher rises out of the black wave
like a blue flower, in his beak
he carries a silver leaf. I think this is
the prettiest world--so long as you don't mind
a little dying, how could there be a day in your whole life
that doesn't have its splash of happiness?" beautifully capture Oliver's ability to find beauty and joy in even the smallest moments.
Oliver's optimistic and awe-inspired outlook on life shines through in her poem "When Death Comes" (1992), where she imagines herself saying, "When it's over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms."
In "The Uses of Sorrow" (2007), Oliver reframes the darkness of a traumatic past as a gift, "(In my sleep I dreamed this poem)
Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." Her words remind readers that even in the midst of pain, there is still beauty and growth to be found.
Even though Mary Oliver passed away in 2019 at the age of 83, her legacy lives on through her inspiring words and impact on the literary community. Her profound observations of the natural world and unwavering optimism continue to resonate with readers, making her one of the most celebrated poets of our time.
