The Courage To Leap

Dear Mary,

I cannot name an artist who has changed my life more than you have. I have kept all of your books by my bedside for a long time, and your words have carried me through all the times in my life.  

I remember the day I stumbled upon "The Journey," and that poem changed my life in an instant. You spoke right to me, in a deeply insistent way, and I had to listen, I couldn't possibly turn away from the truth your poem demanded that I face. That very day I quit my painful job and began a new part of my life--with no regrets. Every day I am grateful for the beautiful new life I now lead because your poem, because of your words, which  gave me the courage to leap.

Joanna Cotler

A Revelation

Dear Mary,

Your words spoke to me most profoundly several years ago as I was working on a writing project with cancer victims and their caregivers at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, Georgia.

One of the participants read your poem "When Death Comes" and, at that moment, everyone in the room experienced a revelation. Cancer can be "like the hungry bear in autumn," but the important thing is to be a "lion of courage," "a bride married to amazement."

Thank you for providing that revelation.

Tim Harris

"Let me keep my mind on my work"

Dear Mary,

My twin brother Dave and I came with our guide dogs to several of your readings. Thank you for understanding us and our needs: allowing us to make private recordings as our way of rereading your work and, once, instructing the host of a reading to provide Chandler and Rudder with water. "It's just common courtesy," you said.

Thank you for calling to the best in me, in all of us--for not being afraid to write a poetry of love and attention in a time when what's cynical and clever and hip can seduce. Thank you for letting us in on your life with M, that 40‑year conversation. I cried, hearing you read about it, knowing how much I want that kind of life, how fortunate I am to have it, and how hard such love can make me work.

When I lose my footing as a writer, forget to keep my appointments with myself, your words about making friends with a shy person, in answer to a question I asked decades ago, are what call me back to the desk. Thank you.

When I open one more rejection than I think I can handle, I will remember you saying, "Let me keep my mind on my work, which is what matters."

When the fear of life's brevity overtakes me, I have "When Death Comes" as a compass.

Thank you for "To Begin With, The Sweet Grass," especially Part 6, and for "Praying."

Mary, thank you for all this--for living the way you live and for writing it down.

Love,

Dan Simpson

You've Given Me Hope

Dear Mary,

Your writing has moved me closer to a position of spirituality--even religion--than any other writer ever has.  Particularly, your synthesis of an awe of nature with spiritual realities brings me closer to the Franciscan theology of the school where I teach art history.  But in your more recent work, you've given me hope that I might be able even to reach a truly Christian understanding of the world.

Much reverence for your work, and love & hope for you,

Melinda Parsons

A Great Blessing

Dear Mary,


Your poems continue to be a great blessing to me.  Your words "leave me like a needle in the haystack of light."  I endeavor to spread Mary Oliver blessings around to others by giving your books to friends and posting your poems on my bulletin board.  


We all love you, dearest poet, and pray for your speedy recovery.
                                                                                                                  
Stan Sprague

You Have Changed My Ideas About Reading Poetry

Dear Mary, 


I have only recently discovered your poetry and have been so moved by it. You have changed my ideas about reading poetry as your poems are so accessible and meaningful. I have listened to you reading some of your poems via internet and loved that. I have so many favorites!  You are in my thoughts as I send wishes for your recovery and many more poems to be written. 


From a friend you don't know, 


Jane Mathes

Poetry Feeds My Soul

Dear Mary,

I write but am not published.   Poetry feeds my soul. I have found inspiration, courage,expression, life, and soothings in your work for many, many years now.   I sometimes read your poems to clients during our work together.   A number have found "The Journey" a mantra that has kept them going and helped them have courage to come through challenging times.   It has been a portal to your work for each person.   "When Death Comes" is a particular favourite of my own.

I thank you from the depths of my spirit.

I keep you in the flame of my daily candle.   

With gratitude and love,

Marych O'Sullivan-Sanford