HOW I GO TO THE WOODS

If I've done my work well, I vanish completely from the scene. I believe it is invasive of the work when you know too much about the writer.

- Mary Oliver -

Mary Oliver was born and raised in Maple Hills Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. She would retreat from the austere home to the nearby forest, where she would build huts of sticks and grass and write poetry.

Oliver's poetry is firmly rooted in tradition of place and romantic nature, and emphasizes the

Mary Oliver

silence of nature.

Her fifth book, American Primitive (1983), won the Pulitzer Prize and won numerous awards including the National Book Award and the Lannon Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 1986, she was named one of America's Best Poets.

                                                                                                     

A prolific writer of both poetry and prose, Oliver published a new book every year or two.Her main themes continue to be the intersection between the human and natural world, as well

as the limits of human consciousness and language in expressing such things. Mary Oliver was so popular that she was at one time America's best-selling poet because she was a poet of nature, effortlessl and brilliantly relating the encounters with nature that make us most human, our flaws and idiosyncrasies.

HOW I GO TO THE WOODS

Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable.

I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit int on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, you very much. I must love you very much.

The speaker discusses how they prefer to visit the woods by themselves rather than with chatty and fake companions. They seek complete immersion in the outdoors without interruptions or distractions. In this situation, they don't sense the need for companionship.

The speaker also expresses reluctance to be seen interacting with natural elements, such as conversing with catbirds or cuddling an ancient black oak tree. This denotes an intimate and private relationship with nature, a particular kind of communion or prayer. Everyone connects with the divine or finds comfort in their own unique way, the speaker says.

The speaker experiences a sense of invisibility as a result of the seclusion of being by themselves in the woods. They can observe without upsetting the natural order by disguising themselves in the environment. They spoke about watching the foxes pass by while they were ignorant of them when they were immobile on a dune. They are able to hear the delicate, almost invisible noises of nature, like the singing of roses, because of their isolation.

The last sentence implies that if someone has ever followed the speaker to the woods, it is evidence of the speaker's intense love and affection for that individual. Taking someone along to share this private moment with them shows a deep emotional connection and a want to share this treasured part of their life.

Overall, the poem underlines the strong connection the speaker feels when in the presence
of the natural environment and praises their personal communion with it. It highlights the value of solitude, self-reflection, and the capacity to relate to something bigger than oneself.

And also while it's subjective to determine the best poems, here are some of Mary Oliver's widely acclaimed and beloved works:

1. "Wild Geese" : This poem encourages readers to embrace their true selves and to live authentically, reminding them that they are worthy of love and belonging.

2. "The Summer Day" : In this poem, Oliver contemplates the meaning of life and the importance of paying attention to the present moment. It ends with the famous question, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

3. "When Death Comes" : Oliver reflects on the inevitability of death and urges readers to live fully and passionately while they are alive, embracing both the joys and sorrows of life.

4. "The Journey" : This poem explores the themes of self-discovery and personal transformation, encouraging readers to have the courage to pursue their dreams and follow their own path.

5. "Mysteries, Yes" : Oliver celebrates the mysteries of the natural world and invites readers to embrace the beauty and wonder that exists all around them.

6. "In Blackwater Woods" : In this poem, Oliver contemplates the cycles of life and death, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of embracing the impermanence of existence.

7. "Morning Poem" : Oliver expresses gratitude for the beauty of the world and the simple joys of everyday life, reminding readers to find solace and inspiration in the small moments.

These are just a few examples of Mary Oliver's notable poems, but her body of work is extensive and filled with rich imagery, profound observations, and a deep reverence for nature. Exploring her complete collection would reveal many more gems that resonate with readers on a personal level.

Books written by Mary Oliver ,

Written by Gayani Karunarathne