Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? – Mary Oliver, from her poem, “The Summer Day” (Devotions, p. 316)
Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver.
I heard somber news last week, Thursday, January 17, 2019. Poet Mary Oliver died at the age of 83 from complications due to lymphoma. 83 seems so young.
Her poetry has been a part of my DNA since high school. I carried Mary Oliver’s words through my college days, through my challenge days, through far-reaching times, and during the years of my time in religious life.
I never met or saw her in person, and I feel I have known her all my life. Her words have been soul food, inspiration, a kick-in-the-pants words of encouragement – all done in a calm, endearing way. Mary Oliver encouraged me to embrace life wholeheartedly, to run at life with full brio and to pause with intention when needed. She also challenged me to be an observant theologian – seeking God in all things.
When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. – Mary Oliver, from her poem, “When Death Comes” (Devotions, p. 285)
On the day Mary Oliver died, a dear friend of mine texted me to see if I was OK. I shared with her that I felt really sad all day. Mary Oliver was my soulful inspiration. My friend went on to tell me that one of her friends with whom she introduced Mary Oliver’s poetry said to her that if he had a religion, her poetry would be his sacred texts. Another friend of mine shared a reflection she wrote in honor of the writer, naming her a “poet of unencumbered observation and description….” Mollifying words of comfort.
Mary Oliver taught me to pay attention and to listen, to be mindful of life happening in front of you, from the time you get up until the time you fall asleep. Immerse yourself in the experience, in the all the glory and in all the mess. Her words were and still are, soothing grace and stirring challenge.
She taught me a deep love and respect for all creation – to hold the sacredness of nature with both hands, to cradle the world delicately, embracing creation with a fierce attention, while focusing on living life as fully as possible.
You do not have to be good…You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. – Mary Oliver, from her poem, “Wild Geese” (Devotions, p. 347)
Mary Oliver taught me to be open to grace, to have a sense of wonder, and to be vulnerable to the possibility of life before me. She modeled how to take long walks, slow, intentional walks that beckon attentiveness, that heighten awareness, that lure you to silence, that widen your perspective, and deepen your understanding. She was an example par excellence on seeing life as this incredible, amazing, and beautiful experience.
I read her poetry at every opportunity. When I need a pick-me-up or a reminder that life will be OK, where all will be well, I read Mary Oliver. I lean on her for her wisdom and perspective.
Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed. – Mary Oliver from her poem, “It was Early” (Devotions, p. 71)
Thank you, Mary Oliver, for living your “one, wild and precious life.” You embraced this world with a gentle spirit and a deeply connected soul. Rest in peace.
I welcome your comments and remembrances of Mary Oliver.
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