Mary Oliver was an American Poet, loved by many, including me, for her invitations to pay attention, particularly to the natural world. She had a way of connecting the natural world “out there” to the wild and natural world “in here,” internal to humans.
She died last Thursday. She was 83.
Over the years I’ve been delighting in her poetry. Sometimes smiling with appreciation — ah, yes, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Sometimes in relief, ah, — “announcing your place in the family of things.” And sometimes, as just the right gift to friends (most recently, Dog Songs).
Her poetry often interrupted the noise of the world. She invited paying attention, which of course, requires living with attention. She invited pace, not just speed.
Thanks Mary Oliver. Again and again.