Monday, January 17, 2022

Felicity by Mary Oliver

Felicity by Mary Oliver

Felicity by Mary Oliver is a volume of poetry published in 2015 focusing on life’s journey, nature, love, and relationships. This was my first experience reading Oliver’s poetry. I finished the volume today, and hours after completing the book, I learned that Oliver had died on this day three years ago. It seemed fitting that I was reflecting on her words today because her poems live on though she is gone.

One of my favorite poems in Felicity is "Moments," especially the opening lines,

"There are moments that cry out to be fulfilled.
Like, telling someone you love them."

There’s a sweet and poignant universality in her sentiment.

I also loved Oliver’s poem "Leaves and Blossoms Along the Way," with its advice:

"Try to find the right place for yourself.
If you can’t find it, at least dream of it."

It's advice we could all take to heart.

On Twitter today, I came across many tributes to Mary Oliver, and I read one lovely quote by her that touched me. Oliver was asked, "Why did you first turn to a creative art?" and she answered "Well, I think because with words, I could build a world I could live in. So I made a world out of words. And it was my salvation."


Purchase and read books by Mary Oliver:

Felicity by Mary Oliver American Primative by Mary Oliver Winter Hours by Mary Oliver Upstream by Mary Oliver


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