I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

10 October 2013

Why I Love Mary Oliver

It was her poem
about the shy, sweet creatures
who paused a moment
to look back at her
when she rounded a bend on her walk
and there they were.

It was the glimpse she noted
when they turned and fled —
that glint of horn
on each tossed head.

It’s her clarity
on what to do
with her ‘one wild and precious life’.

It’s the way
she looks closely, deeply, simply
at every pebble, puddle, cloud.

I walk around my world,
these few streets and parks,
trying to be her —
looking.

I take my camera.
It helps me see.
I take notebook and pen.
I pick up stones.
My words are clear, direct …
while hers are crystalline.


Submitted for Poets United's Verse First: Poets are Lovers (of other poets).

13 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this, Rosemary. I like Mary Oliver too & her way of looking at the world. You have written so well why you appreciate her work. The last two lines speak reams. We so often (perhaps) strive to approach the greatness - but the 'crystalline' continues to remain illusive. However, our poetry IS better because we have tried.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh I loved every line of this tribute to my very favorite poet. I love how she "stares at the world".......and through her work she helps us see it anew. I love your poem, Rosemary!

    ReplyDelete
  3. smiles....we each find our own voice...but there are def those that inspire us...and if they inspire us to see the world...to look...all the better....its a big world to be seen...smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was a great exercise - you really reveal this poet's skill.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Delightful. This captures why I love her too, I see the world differently because of her. You have her form and her tone here, speaking of her poems as she would speak of a scene.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rosemary,

    How lovely that her words have remained with you and influenced your poetic direction.

    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is lovely, Rosemary. I like her, too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. this is so beautiful.

    please consider submitting it to a new online womens publication for which i've been named editor, i would love to have you on board! http://pinkgirlink.blogspot.com/

    stacy lynn mar
    http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Stacy. I'd be delighted. You'll be hearing from me.:)

      Delete
  9. a glorious reflection - excellent

    ReplyDelete
  10. She can be such an inspiration. The beauty is that one seeks out more vigorously when given to such wonderful light! Great write Rosemary!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  11. She is amazing I agree ~ Simple but powerful insights on the everyday life ~

    A lovely tribute to her ~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Many thanks, everybody! Been busy with visitors lately, so please excuse late acknowledgment of your comments.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated and will be visible after being approved by the blog owner. If you can only comment anonymously, please include your name in the comment, just so I know who's talking to me.