I've been starting my days on my back porch with my breakfast and this book. Some of these poems have been in my life for over 20 years and when I reread them, I think of the poetry professor who introduced me to Mary Oliver and how grateful I am to her. Some of these poems are much newer to me. Today I read Humpbacks for the first time. When I read it, I could picture these glorious animals and feel the thrill of being in their presence. I loved her word choice, especially how she speaks directly to the reader and creates an intimacy by saying "you know what I mean". The phrases "carrying their tonnage of barnacles and joy" and "I know several lives worth living" particularly struck me.
I'm not really a poetry reader, normally. And I want going to join this. But I've been randomly seeing Mary Oliver quotes all over the place recently and keep making note of them. And the prompts/tasks you listed are really intriguing (seriously, I'm so used to boring normal bookclub things, but taking a picture? Uh, k!). So I guess I'm heading to my local bookstore tomorrow.
omg YAY, WELCOME!! That’s literally all I wished for this book club to become — something you can take in your own time because you felt it was right :) and I’m actually trying so hard to switch up the typical book club style with some more creative ideas — so thank your for this comment! Read slowly and enjoy xx
I just wanted to follow up and let you know that I did buy the book and I'm really enjoying her poetry. I decided to read it in the order she used, even though that feels "backwards" (there must be a reason for it!). I'm especially enjoying the ever-present love of nature.
I’m curious why she chose to go in reverse chronological order, as well! Must be a reason. Thanks for the follow up :) I’m always interested to hear! Looking forward to connecting more throughout our Mary Oliver summer!
Ohh the one you share here, Swan... I read that one by my open window looking at the sun setting, the wind in the trees and the last few lines hit me so suddenly I cried, haha. Which wasn't the first time with Mary Olivers work btw. I am in love. So glad I "ran into" this bookclub! Haven't done the moodboard but I kinda still want to. But also looking forward to making the wild & precious life list. 💚
So much beauty in these words! Beautiful moment, beautiful connection, beautiful poetry! So happy you’re here <3 And yes, the ‘homework’ is only there for inspiration if you so choose ✨ The main goal is just to read and connect with a few Mary Oliver poems, (which sounds like you’ve already done ☺️). Take it all at your pace. Enjoy xx
I've been starting my days on my back porch with my breakfast and this book. Some of these poems have been in my life for over 20 years and when I reread them, I think of the poetry professor who introduced me to Mary Oliver and how grateful I am to her. Some of these poems are much newer to me. Today I read Humpbacks for the first time. When I read it, I could picture these glorious animals and feel the thrill of being in their presence. I loved her word choice, especially how she speaks directly to the reader and creates an intimacy by saying "you know what I mean". The phrases "carrying their tonnage of barnacles and joy" and "I know several lives worth living" particularly struck me.
Mm thank you so much for this comment! Love that you can keep coming back to the poems and get something different out of them every time 💚
I'm not really a poetry reader, normally. And I want going to join this. But I've been randomly seeing Mary Oliver quotes all over the place recently and keep making note of them. And the prompts/tasks you listed are really intriguing (seriously, I'm so used to boring normal bookclub things, but taking a picture? Uh, k!). So I guess I'm heading to my local bookstore tomorrow.
omg YAY, WELCOME!! That’s literally all I wished for this book club to become — something you can take in your own time because you felt it was right :) and I’m actually trying so hard to switch up the typical book club style with some more creative ideas — so thank your for this comment! Read slowly and enjoy xx
I just wanted to follow up and let you know that I did buy the book and I'm really enjoying her poetry. I decided to read it in the order she used, even though that feels "backwards" (there must be a reason for it!). I'm especially enjoying the ever-present love of nature.
I’m curious why she chose to go in reverse chronological order, as well! Must be a reason. Thanks for the follow up :) I’m always interested to hear! Looking forward to connecting more throughout our Mary Oliver summer!
*wasn't going to join this.
Ohh the one you share here, Swan... I read that one by my open window looking at the sun setting, the wind in the trees and the last few lines hit me so suddenly I cried, haha. Which wasn't the first time with Mary Olivers work btw. I am in love. So glad I "ran into" this bookclub! Haven't done the moodboard but I kinda still want to. But also looking forward to making the wild & precious life list. 💚
So much beauty in these words! Beautiful moment, beautiful connection, beautiful poetry! So happy you’re here <3 And yes, the ‘homework’ is only there for inspiration if you so choose ✨ The main goal is just to read and connect with a few Mary Oliver poems, (which sounds like you’ve already done ☺️). Take it all at your pace. Enjoy xx
Last night I sat on my porch step and watched the fireflies! Will be a sharing a little poem shortly. 🪲
A lovely little moment ✨🪲 thanks for sharing!