Crossing the Swamp
by Mary Oliver
Amidst the swamp’s trials, bones knock for foothold, revealing resilience, transformation, and growth through struggle.
Here is the endless
wet thick
cosmos, the center
of everything—the nugget
Good-bye Fox
by Mary Oliver
‘Good-bye Fox’ by Mary Oliver is a thoughtful poem that explores the meaning of life. It includes a conversation between a fox and a human being.
I Worried
by Mary Oliver
I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?
Morning Poem
by Mary Oliver
‘Morning Poem’ by Mary Oliver uses the dawn of a new day to speak of hope and new beginnings, offering an optimistic message.
Peonies by Mary Oliver
by Mary Oliver
‘Peonies’ by Mary Oliver uses imagery to depict peonies. She also explores the importance of relishing in humanity’s connection to the natural world.
Singapore
by Mary Oliver
‘Singapore’ by Mary Oliver is a highly relatable poem that speaks about life’s struggles and the beauty of mundane and graceful work. It is set in an airport bathroom in Singapore.
Sleeping in the Forest
by Mary Oliver
‘Sleeping in the Forest’ by Mary Oliver is a lyric poem that depicts a speaker’s experience in the natural world. She spends the night in the forest and is made better for it.
Song of the Builders
by Mary Oliver
‘Song of the Builders’ by Mary Oliver is a lovely poem that uses nature as a metaphor. The poet compares human beings and the way we should treat our lives to the way a cricket works humbly.
Explore more poems from Mary Oliver
The Black Walnut Tree
by Mary Oliver
‘The Black Walnut Tree’ by Mary Oliver is a thoughtful poem about familial history. The poet depicts a discussion between herself and her mother.
The Summer Day
by Mary Oliver
‘The Summer Day’ by Mary Oliver is characteristic of much of her best writing. It focuses on nature and the purpose of life.
Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
In short, ‘Wild Geese’ is a poem, written by Mary Oliver, that expresses what one must do in order to lead a good life.
