I’m still slowly moving through my Mary Oliver Devotions collection. I took a break during Hot Caretaker Summer and didn’t pick it up until the end of September. I finished reading Evidence (2009) and here are my thoughts/interpretations.
(I AM NOT AN ENGLISH MAJOR. I MIGHT BE WRONG. THIS IS AN EXERCISE FOR ME.)
Violets: The bits of nature that can be removed because of their apparent insignificance ARE significant.
We Shake with Joy: How “funny” is it that joy and grief live in us and we react similarly to both?
It Was Early: The everyday occurrences in nature are blessings if you’re lucky enough to witness them.
With Thanks to the Field Sparrow, Whose Voice is so Delicate and Humble: The surprises of nature are greater than our modern “smart” world.
A Lesson from James Wright: A fun way to say that silence/no words can also be poetry
Almost a Conversation: A sweet poem about an otter! Nature doesn’t care about our conventions/trappings and yet it is happier.
To Begin with the Sweet Grass: A long and gorgeous one. A reflection on what it means to grow and age, taking cues from nature and beauty as the “big picture.” This is a new favorite of mine.
Evidence: Another long one. Same themes of life being an adventure and all we need if we only open our senses to look for it.
Prayer: May she be a dancer; loving movement in life and after death as well
Mysteries, Yes: It’s more delightful to acknowledge/discover the mysteries in life than to be around ones who (believe they) have the answers.
At the River Clarion: God is in everything and everyone; not just the good things. We receive and we give back.
Previously:
Mary Oliver: A Thousand Mornings and Swan
Mary Oliver Blue Horses & Dog Songs
Mary Oliver Felicity
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