Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver

Mary, you were anything but contrary
As you loved your lady of so many years
As I do mine
And though your heart aches
From her death
Your reverence for life 
Endures

Your words bring a glimpse
Of the natural world
Igniting our hearts
To learn the important lessons
From our fellow creatures

Like me
You wonder
When a sparrow dies
If the skies open 
And angels cry
Or if they rejoice
As another winged one
Joins their ranks

When its tiny soul 
Is taken up to heaven
Does God welcome it and say
“Well done, little one”?

If anyone knows
I can almost believe
That you do

Mary, a very plain name
For an uncommon woman




An ode to the poet Mary Oliver - Written for Amy Greens Wow Me With Inspiration contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 4/20/2010 8:08:00 PM
Congrats Corinne on your HM in Amy's contest.. wonderful tribute poem and I am so happy to have learned from Amy that my entry also won an HM ..however due to all the tech issues it did not post on the winners list... so let us enjoy our honors...luv.. Linda-Marie
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Date: 4/20/2010 3:52:00 AM
Corinne, For those who are not familiar with this great lady's work, they are missing out. I have several of her books and I believe that she captures nature better than most of the late great masters. Your tribute to her was lovely and I am so happy to see you in the winner's circle. Congratulations! Aloha, Connie
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Date: 4/6/2010 5:35:00 AM
Thank you for sharing your poetry with us today Corinne. Wishing you a week full of love, inspiration and the best to you in the contest. Love, Carol
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