I wanted to hurry into the work of my life; I wanted to know, whoever I was, I was alive for a little while

I wanted to hurry into the work of my life; I wanted to know, whoever I was, I was alive for a little while

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience in her work. In the quote “I wanted to hurry into the work of my life; I wanted to know, whoever I was, I was alive for a little while,” Oliver captures the essence of her own sense of urgency and purpose in life.

Oliver’s poetry is filled with a deep reverence for the natural world and a profound sense of wonder at the beauty and mystery of existence. She often wrote about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living fully in the present moment. In this quote, Oliver expresses a desire to embrace life with a sense of urgency and purpose, to make the most of the time we have on this earth.

For Oliver, the “work of my life” is not just about career or accomplishments, but about living authentically and fully engaging with the world around us. It is about finding meaning and purpose in our everyday experiences, and recognizing the preciousness of each moment. By hurrying into the work of her life, Oliver is not rushing through life, but rather seizing the opportunity to fully experience and appreciate the beauty and wonder of existence.

The second part of the quote, “I wanted to know, whoever I was, I was alive for a little while,” speaks to Oliver’s deep sense of self-awareness and connection to the world around her. In her poetry, Oliver often explored themes of identity and the search for meaning in a complex and often chaotic world. By acknowledging her own mortality and impermanence, Oliver is able to fully embrace the present moment and find joy and beauty in the fleeting nature of life.