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Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems by Mary Oliver: A Poetic Journey Through Love, Loss, and the Beauty of the Natural World

Richard Wright

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In the realm of contemporary American poetry, Mary Oliver stands as a towering figure, renowned for her exquisite lyricism, profound insights, and an unwavering connection to the natural world. Her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems, is a testament to her extraordinary talent, offering a poignant meditation on love, loss, and the enduring power of nature.

Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems

by Linda Pastan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	819 pages

Exploring the Depths of Love and Loss

Throughout Almost an Elegy, Oliver delves into the complexities of love and loss with raw emotion and unflinching honesty. In "Wild Geese," she urges readers to "Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine." This poem captures the universality of human suffering and the solace found in shared experiences.

In "The Summer Day," Oliver confronts the mortality of beloved companions, both human and animal. With poignant imagery, she asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This poem serves as a reminder to cherish the fleeting moments and live fully in the present.

Nature as a Source of Solace and Inspiration

Mary Oliver's poetry is deeply intertwined with the natural world, which she sees as a source of solace, inspiration, and profound wisdom. In "When Death Comes," she writes, "When death comes like the hungry bear in autumn / ... I will go out / under the October moon and lie down / in the cold, clear water." Nature's cyclical rhythms and enduring presence offer a sense of comfort and continuity in the face of mortality.

Oliver's reverence for the natural world is evident in her evocative descriptions of plants, animals, and landscapes. In "The Black Walnut Tree," she marvels at the tree's resilience and longevity: "It had been there before Christ / and would be there after man has gone." Through her poetry, Oliver celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the natural world.

A Poetic Legacy that Endures

Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems is a culmination of Mary Oliver's extraordinary career, showcasing her most beloved and enduring works. This collection has garnered widespread acclaim, winning the National Book Award and being hailed as a masterpiece of contemporary American poetry.

Oliver's poetry continues to resonate with readers of all ages, offering solace, inspiration, and a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life. Her ability to capture the human experience with such depth and sincerity has cemented her legacy as one of the most celebrated poets of our time.

Mary Oliver's Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems is an essential collection for anyone seeking a profound and moving poetic experience. Its exploration of love, loss, and the natural world speaks to the universal human condition and offers both comfort and inspiration. Through Oliver's exquisite language and insightful observations, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives, embrace the beauty of their surroundings, and find solace in the face of adversity.

Oliver's poetry transcends generations and continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. Her words serve as a reminder to cherish the present moment, embrace the wonders of the natural world, and find solace in the shared experiences of love and loss.

Almost an Elegy: New and Later Selected Poems

by Linda Pastan

4.6 out of 5