Words and pictures from the author of And the Crows Took Their Eyes as well as the Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mysteries . . .
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Poem in Your Pocket Day
It's National Poem in Your Pocket Day when we are invited to tuck a favorite poem in a pocket and carry it with us all day, sharing it with others or reading it to oneself or simply feeling its talismanic power.
Really enjoyed reading this post and poem. I like where it talks about the grasshopper: "Who made the grasshopper this grasshopper I mean- the one who has flung herself out of the grass"
Mary Oliver is simply a wonderful poet and writer. In some way, this selection reminds me of Annie Dillard's Pilgrim At Tinker Creek. In my opinion, though, Oliver lends a human quality and relativity to her nature writings that sets her apart from Dillard.
Hi vicki, I've used this poem many times as an intro. to a poetry reading, letting the question hang in the air. I've loved Oliver's work for several decades, though I'm not as fond of her latest work, which seems a re=tread. I agree with R. B. Baker that there's a human quality that sets her work apart from Annie Dillard. I think American Primitive is still my favorite of her books, but all of them, up to the last couple, are wonderful.
11 comments:
A lovely poem Vicki.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?" A question we often ask ourselves after we've already lived most of it.
I think someone once said, 'if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.'
nice...what will you do with your wild and precious life...i like that...
Really enjoyed reading this post and poem.
I like where it talks about the grasshopper:
"Who made the grasshopper
this grasshopper I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass"
This is the second "Poem in Your Pocket Day" post I've read today. Gosh, how could this slip by me? It's a fabulous idea. Love your choice.
I really love this poem and, as soon as the current book is off to my editor, intend to do a good bit of thinking about this question.
...your one wild and precious life? More time facing the ravages of time...
Mary Oliver is simply a wonderful poet and writer. In some way, this selection reminds me of Annie Dillard's Pilgrim At Tinker Creek. In my opinion, though, Oliver lends a human quality and relativity to her nature writings that sets her apart from Dillard.
Perfect selection!
Rick
cool poem!
A great idea to share one's love of poetry !
Hi vicki, I've used this poem many times as an intro. to a poetry reading, letting the question hang in the air. I've loved Oliver's work for several decades, though I'm not as fond of her latest work, which seems a re=tread. I agree with R. B. Baker that there's a human quality that sets her work apart from Annie Dillard. I think American Primitive is still my favorite of her books, but all of them, up to the last couple, are wonderful.
I'll have to look for American Primitive, Kay.
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