The question posed at the end of Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day is likely more familiar than the poem itself. I’m sure you’ll find it on T-shirts and pallet art and graduation cards. It’s a beautiful question. But I think we owe it to Mary Oliver to read it in context. Click here to read it.
Oh I love this poem, and particularly the end. Oddly enough I was just doing researching Mary Oliver as I’ve never read any of her work and would very much like to. Is there a collection of poems you’d recommend I pick up?
I’ve only heard a handful of her poems but I’ve enjoyed every one. As for a collection, I want to start with either “A Thousand Mornings” or “Dream Work.” (I think “Dream Work” won a Pulitzer.) If you come across anything you’d recommend, let me know! 🙂 What a coincidence!
Thanks for the recommendation – will let you know what I think when I end up reading it. I have so many books on my “to read” list right now that it’s almost stressful. 🙂 And yes, what a coincidence indeed!