WALKING IN THE WOODS: SOLACE AND MYSTERY IN MARY OLIVER’S POETRY

Abstract

Mary Oliver (1935-2019) is a nature centered poet and poetess based in the world and renowned by her poems on nature. The paper will discuss the main themes of her poems that portray the aspects of natural beauty, solitude and mysticism in her poems. It analyzes the depth of themes and gradual transformation she experienced as she came nearer to nature in her poems, which changed her perception of seeing nature differently in all the stages of her life. She places her writing in the context of the larger tradition of contemporary nature writing and eco-poetry. Based on the observations of her life in communication with the natural world, and being close to nature, the poems of Oliver lead the readers through the path of exaltation of the material beauty of nature to deep reflections on loneliness, enigma, and spiritualism. Her first and Early works express the beauty and richness of landscapes, wildlife and changes of the seasons, which doubtless represent her profound and critical eye training and her effective, arduous emotional intimacy with the earth. The deserted place can also be a place for healing, awareness, and contemplation, as her later collections show. Oliver had a deep affection for mystery. Her poems evoke a mystical ambiance. She has created a sense of mystery around her nature interpretations. She does not simply capture it as a subject but as something alive and divine and connecting with man.  This lady tries to live together and it is moving to love. The research highlights the true message of Oliver regarding listening to nature in terms of ecologically conscious, spirituality wise and kind gentle life-style. Her job represents a quiet but urgent reminder of the need to respect and safeguard our earth where crisis is the environment.