"But first and foremost, I learned from Whitman that the poem is a temple—or a green field—a place to enter, and in which to feel." whitman through oliver's eyes. thank you, erik.
I came very late to Mary Oliver. I’m learning why, but never mind: I have come late to so much; perhaps the timing has been perfect. Anyway: her contemporary embrace of transcendentalism—Whitman’s, in particular—is so intricate and tough and utter; as thorough as her own verse; as to be quietly shocking. I love that we love her—all of us who love frankly— especially those of us who also go nowhere without a pen. Thanks for this timely post.
This was so inspiring on a day where isolation felt uncomfortable for me. It reminded me that Walt, although he came with me on NYC subways, was my constant companion throughout my youth. And that in the field of poetry, I am home.
It's important to think of him not just as the good gray poet, or even as Uncle Walt, but as the serious, utopian radical that he was. No writer has ever laid out so intently the radical basis of the American experiment. His vision continues to be the spot-on statement of the American ideal that is under direct attack today. It's my hope that we won't pasteurize his meaning for us.
Sublime read this early morning in British Columbia.. Thank you. Thank goodness we still live in a world where beings such as these (poets) exist..and where these words resonate.. and where human senses and the human spirit still can listen and hear, and feel... and write , and share.. much obliged.
The author was fortunate in that she "got" Whitman. For some, it takes decades to appreciate poetry. Listen: I have written well enough for publications to pay me actual money--beer money, mostly--and admire those who can turn a phrase pleasingly. But I couldn't be a poet, dontcha know it.
So many good and beautiful writings that can't compare with what is written today. Mary and Walt. Thank you for posting this gentle reminder.
Thank you for posting this. Mary Oliver feels so alive, so authentic.
"But first and foremost, I learned from Whitman that the poem is a temple—or a green field—a place to enter, and in which to feel." whitman through oliver's eyes. thank you, erik.
I came very late to Mary Oliver. I’m learning why, but never mind: I have come late to so much; perhaps the timing has been perfect. Anyway: her contemporary embrace of transcendentalism—Whitman’s, in particular—is so intricate and tough and utter; as thorough as her own verse; as to be quietly shocking. I love that we love her—all of us who love frankly— especially those of us who also go nowhere without a pen. Thanks for this timely post.
This was so inspiring on a day where isolation felt uncomfortable for me. It reminded me that Walt, although he came with me on NYC subways, was my constant companion throughout my youth. And that in the field of poetry, I am home.
This is great! I have read it in my Upstream. I share an affinity for Whitman.
Heartwarming to know that Oliver was inspired by Whitman. Two giants of what it is to be a human being. Thanks for posting this.
It's important to think of him not just as the good gray poet, or even as Uncle Walt, but as the serious, utopian radical that he was. No writer has ever laid out so intently the radical basis of the American experiment. His vision continues to be the spot-on statement of the American ideal that is under direct attack today. It's my hope that we won't pasteurize his meaning for us.
https://drawstrength.substack.com/p/draw-strength-de7?r=1ulfu
This above describes this element of Whitman's vision.
Sublime read this early morning in British Columbia.. Thank you. Thank goodness we still live in a world where beings such as these (poets) exist..and where these words resonate.. and where human senses and the human spirit still can listen and hear, and feel... and write , and share.. much obliged.
The author was fortunate in that she "got" Whitman. For some, it takes decades to appreciate poetry. Listen: I have written well enough for publications to pay me actual money--beer money, mostly--and admire those who can turn a phrase pleasingly. But I couldn't be a poet, dontcha know it.
Affirming Life. Thank you.
lovely, just lovely. Saturday morning poet's delight
Hojas de hierba en un campo de dandelion 💐 🐝 🎴
Recommendations for a volume of Whitman poems after 'Leaves of Grass'? Also a first volume of Mary Oliver poetry?
Not really a poem, although I would call it poetic political literature, “Democratic Vistas” by Whitman is way overdue a resurgence!
Friends forever forever together.
Leaves of Grass
Hegel was meant to
For America!
Claimed Walt Whitman
America’s poet!