As a former English teacher, I think I’m supposed to like poetry. The truth is, for years it just confused me (Death of the Ball Turret Gunner in AP English, anyone?!!). Mary Oliver has challenged me to come play with her, and thanks to her, I can honestly say I like more poetry than I did in high school — or when I taught it. So when I say to check out Dog Songs, you know normal non-English-major-poetry-lover people can like it. Please check it out — better yet, buy it, because you really need to read the entire poem to get what I’m saying!
“A dog can never tell you what she knows from the smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing. . .”
from “Her Grave”
“Love, love, love, says Percy.
And hurry as fast as you can
along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.
Then, go to sleep.
Give up your body heat, your beating heart.
Then, trust.”
‘Tell me you love me, he says.
Tell me again.'”
from “I ask Percy how I should live my life”
“Thus we sit, myself
thinking how grateful I am for the moon’s perfect beauty and also, oh! how rich
it is to love the world. Percy, meanwhile,
leans against me and gazes up into my face. As though I were just as wonderful
as the perfect moon.”
from “The Sweetness of Dogs”
You can buy Mary Oliver’s Dog Songs here.
Oh, not Death of the Ball Turret Gunner! I forgot that poem existed until you mentioned it, and all I can remember of it is the name. I’m going to re-read it. Did Dog Songs make you cry? It seems dangerously heart-wrenching!
Oh yes, Patti — I remember our teacher dropping it on the desk along w/ an AP writing assignment and leaving the room. We all read the poem silently, then everyone gradually looked up at one another — like — does anyone get it? We were on the honor system, so of course we couldn’t talk about it. It obviously made a lasting impression:-)!
Regarding Dog Songs — yes, some tears, but not terribly sad…rather touching, tender, humorous, thoughtful…I smiled more than I cried. I checked it out of the library, so maybe I’ll return it and you can check it out:-)
Mary Oliver keeps coming up in many different places…. I think I need to finally check her out! 🙂
Yes, Annie, I hope you do! Let me know what you think, too!
Beautiful! I’m intrigued, also. Must check her out! Thanks for sharing this!