I read the way a person might swim, to save his or her life. I wrote that way too

I read the way a person might swim, to save his or her life. I wrote that way too

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet known for her profound connection to nature and the human experience, once said, “I read the way a person might swim, to save his or her life. I wrote that way too.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Oliver’s work and the way she approached both reading and writing.

Oliver’s poetry is often described as a form of salvation, a lifeline for those seeking solace and meaning in a chaotic world. Just as a person might swim with all their strength to stay afloat in turbulent waters, Oliver’s words offer a sense of grounding and stability in the face of life’s challenges. Her poems are like life rafts, guiding readers through the depths of their emotions and experiences with grace and wisdom.

In her writing process, Oliver approached each poem with the same sense of urgency and determination as a person fighting for their life. She delved deep into the heart of her subject matter, exploring the intricacies of nature, love, loss, and the human spirit with unflinching honesty and vulnerability. Her words were not just words on a page, but a lifeline connecting her to the world and to her readers.

Oliver’s deep connection to nature is evident in her writing, as she often drew inspiration from the natural world around her. Just as a swimmer immerses themselves in the water, feeling its currents and rhythms, Oliver immersed herself in the beauty and wonder of the natural world, allowing it to flow through her and onto the page. Her poems are a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit, as well as the interconnectedness of all living things.