Mary Oliver

“Egrets”

“Fall Song” 

Mary Oliver’s “Egrets” reminds me of childhood. It gave me a sense of innocence even in a time of reflection on one’s life. It would be wonderful to always see life as a child, innocently, purely, and with great faith. As an adult, living life freely is so tainted by fear, regret, and uncertainty. I especially felt moved and comforted by the last few lines. “Even half-asleep they had such faith in the world that had made them - - -tilting through the water, unruffled, sure, by the laws of their faith not logic, they opened their wings softly and stepped over every dark thing.” To live by faith and not by logic is a beautiful way to live.  

Although I don’t believe in or practice Buddhism, I really enjoy Mary Oliver’s writing style. I enjoy her appreciation for creation and nature, however my perspective and inspiration comes from a totally different source.  

In “Fall Song” I love how she describes the changes in each year. “Another year gone, leaving everywhere its rich spiced residues.” I can relate to this is my own way. With every change in season brings in a chance for change in attitude, lifestyle, and opportunity. Each season brings on a different side of my personality. In the summer time I feel wild, free, and spontaneous. In the fall I feel romantic, mysterious, and introspective. In the winter I feel motivated, powerful, ready to take on the New Year’s adventures. And finally in the spring I feel innovative, inspired, and creative. These are the “rich spiced residues” the seasons leave for me. Mary Oliver sums it all perfectly, again, at the end of this piece. “For instance when autumn flares out at the last, boisterous and like us longing to stay - how everything lives, shifting from one bright vision to another, forever in these momentary pastures.” Times are always changing and things are always shifting; take things as they come and make the very best of any time in your life. That’s how I try to live.