“LandscapeIsn't it plain the sheets of moss, except thatthey have no tongues, could lectureall day if they wanted aboutspiritual patience? Isn't it clearthe black oaks along the path are standingas though they were the most fragile of flowers?Every morning I walk like this aroundthe pond, thinking: if the doors of my heartever close, I am as good as dead.Every morning, so far, I'm alive. And nowthe crows break off from the rest of the darknessand burst up into the sky—as thoughall night they had thought of what they would like their lives to be, and imaginedtheir strong, thick wings.”
Quote Analysis
In this poignant poem by Mary Oliver, the speaker reflects on the beauty and resilience of nature, drawing inspiration from the landscape around her. The speaker marvels at the moss, the oaks, and the crows, finding lessons in their quiet strength and persistence. The imagery of the black oaks standing "as though they were the most fragile of flowers" highlights the delicate balance of life and the need for patience and resilience. The speaker's daily walks around the pond serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping an open heart and appreciating the gift of each new day. The crows, breaking off from the darkness and bursting into the sky, symbolize the power of imagination and the possibility of transformation. Through nature, the speaker finds solace and inspiration, reminding us of the beauty and resilience that surrounds us every day.
Modern Relevance of Mary Oliver's "Landscape"
Mary Oliver's poem "Landscape" reminds us of the importance of staying connected to the natural world and finding beauty and meaning in the small moments of everyday life. In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, it's easy to lose touch with our surroundings and the simple joys that nature can offer. This poem encourages us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and find solace in the natural world. It serves as a gentle reminder that even in our busiest moments, taking a quiet walk or observing the world around us can bring clarity and peace to our hearts.
Poetic Reflection on Nature by Mary Oliver
"Isn't it plain the sheets of moss, except that
they have no tongues, could lecture
all day if they wanted about
spiritual patience? Isn't it clear
the black oaks along the path are standing
as though they were the most fragile of flowers?
Every morning I walk like this around
the pond, thinking: if the doors of my heart
ever close, I am as good as dead.
Every morning, so far, I'm alive. And now
the crows break off from the rest of the darkness
and burst up into the sky—as though
all night they had thought of what they would like their lives to be, and imagined
their strong, thick wings." - Mary Oliver
Reflection Questions
In this beautiful poem by Mary Oliver, she captures the essence of nature and its lessons on spiritual patience. Let's dive deeper into our reflections on this piece:
How does the imagery of the moss, black oaks, and crows in the poem evoke a sense of spiritual patience and resilience?
Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually connected to nature. How did that experience impact your sense of patience and gratitude?
The poem mentions the fear of the "doors of the heart closing". What do you think Mary Oliver is trying to convey with this metaphor? How do you interpret it in your own life?
Consider the line "Every morning, so far, I'm alive". How can we cultivate a sense of gratitude for each new day, despite life's challenges and uncertainties?
Reflect on the image of the crows bursting up into the sky, imagining their ideal lives. How can we learn from the crows' sense of purpose and vision in shaping our own lives?
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