[Unedited] Mary Oliver with Krista Tippett

In the '[Unedited] Mary Oliver with Krista Tippett' episode from 'On Being with Krista Tippett,' the late poet Mary Oliver engages in a rare and intimate conversation about her poetry, her process, and her outlook on spirituality and life. The episode opens with Tippett expressing gratitude for Oliver's willingness to participate in the interview given her private nature. Oliver, known for her profound connection to the natural world and her reflective poetry, discusses her creative process, including her preference for writing while walking and her use of notebooks to capture thoughts and observations in the moment. She shares insights into the discipline of writing, the mysterious 'cautious' part of the psyche that contributes to the creative process, and the importance of routine in fostering a relationship with one's own creativity.

Oliver reflects on her spiritual journey, noting how her understanding of spirituality has evolved from her childhood experiences with Christianity to her later engagement with the works of Rumi and other spiritual texts. She speaks candidly about the influence of her friend, the late Bishop Tom Shaw, on her spiritual life. The conversation also delves into Oliver's difficult childhood, her escape into the natural world, and how her personal experiences have subtly permeated her poetry without becoming its focal point.

Throughout the interview, Oliver emphasizes the communal nature of poetry, its ability to join the reader to an experience, and her intention to offer something meaningful to her audience. She also touches upon environmental concerns, her love for dogs, and the therapeutic role of poetry in her life and in the lives of others. The episode includes Oliver reading several of her poems, providing a glimpse into her thoughts on attention, the passage of time, and the intersection of mortality and beauty.