Mary Oliver — “I got saved by the beauty of the world.”

The 'On Being with Krista Tippett' episode featuring the late poet Mary Oliver offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of one of modern times' most cherished writers. Born into a troubled childhood marked by abuse, Oliver discusses how her salvation came through the beauty of the natural world and the refuge of poetry. Her early struggles with organized religion and her eventual spiritual eclecticism are explored, revealing her affinity for the work of the Sufi poet Rumi and her belief in the enriching power of spirituality.

Throughout the conversation, Oliver reflects on her writing process, emphasizing the importance of discipline and the physical act of walking in nature as integral to her craft. She shares her preference for 'I' as a narrative voice in her poems, aiming to universalize the experience rather than focus on herself. Oliver also touches on the challenges of her later life, including her battle with lung cancer and the contemplation of mortality and the afterlife. This period of her life brings a new depth to her writing, as seen in her later works.

The episode is punctuated with readings of Oliver's poetry, including the well-known 'Wild Geese' and 'The Summer Day', which have touched the lives of many. Her poetic voice offers solace and an invitation to find one's place in the family of things. The conversation also delves into the technical aspects of poetry, with Oliver discussing the craft of end-stopped lines and the mysterious process by which poems can arrive fully formed.

Mary Oliver's musings on attention and devotion are particularly striking. She speaks of the necessity of empathy in truly seeing the world and the role of poetry as a life-cherishing force. The poet's musings on the natural world, intertwined with her spiritual journey and writing practice, paint a picture of a life deeply connected to the world's beauty and the human quest for meaning.