I’m not an avid reader of poetry, but how could I not be swayed by Mary Oliver’s gorgeous love declaration for nature? A couple hundred poems was an overwhelming read in a short time span, but I realized that

a) reading out loud to myself, and/or
b) listening to some calm, dark piano music in the background

greatly enhanced my reading experience by letting me physically feel the beautiful lyricism. It was also interesting to see how Oliver’s style and themes changed as the poems were read in reverse chronological order.


——

«Listen, says ambition, nervously shifting her weight from one boot to another - why don’t you get going?

For there I am, in the most shadows, under the trees.

And to tell the truth I don’t want to let go of the wrists
of idleness, I don’t want to sell my life for money,
I don’t even want to come in out of the rain.»