Swan | Mary Oliver

Title: Swan
Author: Mary Oliver


I am a huge fan of Mary Oliver, and as such, I had to really savor these poems. I took my time with them, ruminating over every word, wishing there would never be an end to what I was reading. As always, Oliver heavily drew on nature in these poems. She had a real knack for taking an individual thought and turning it into the most beautifully crafted wording you can possibly imagine. I had the privilege of hearing her read once at an event at Salem College. This was over a decade ago, but I still remember feeling like I was in the same room as greatness.

This book doesn't contain even close to my favorite work of hers, but it's still beautiful. Four out of five stars.

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QUOTES:
"Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable. I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours. Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing. If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you very much."

"In your hands 
The dog, the donkey, surely they know 
They are alive. 
Who would argue otherwise?
But now, after years of consideration,
I am getting beyond that.
What about the sunflowers? What about
The tulips, and the pines?
Listen, all you have to do is start and
There'll be no stopping.
What about mountains? What about water
Slipping over rocks?
And speaking of stones, what about
The little ones you can
Hold in your hands, their heartbeats
So secret, so hidden it may take years
Before, finally, you hear them?"

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READING PROGRESS:
The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy: 50%
Gerald's Game by Stephen King: 70%
Ammey McKeaf by Jane Shoup: 5%
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson: NOW STARTING

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