Favorite Poems

Rainn Wilson, Raymond Antrobus, and Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers were among those who took to Twitter to share selections of Oliver’s work. This led to our Twitter feeds becoming a beautiful sample of Oliver’s direct, unflinching voice.

— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) January 18, 2019

— Raymond Antrobus (@RaymondAntrobus) January 19, 2019

— The Lumineers (@thelumineers) January 19, 2019

Reflections and Retrospectives

Considering the breadth of her literary influence and legacy, it is no surprise that some writers took up their pens as tributes to Mary Oliver. One stirring piece by Maria Popova states: “Few are those whose contribution to humanity … fills the heart with uncontainable gratitude for their very existence. Mary Oliver … is one such blessing of a writer.”

Remembering Mary Oliver https://t.co/tkOFcQR9TO — Maria Popova (@brainpicker) January 18, 2019 Meanwhile, Jon Winkour, who runs Advice to Writers, shared some Oliver wisdom that seems highly indicative of the late poet’s approach to her craft:

— Jon Winokur (@AdviceToWriters) January 18, 2019

And a Beautiful Recitation

Finally, actor Misha Collins shared an outstanding recitation of Oliver’s “Wild Geese.” The recitation reflects the poem’s direct and haunting tone, and captures the rising motion into a call to action in the final lines.

— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) January 17, 2019 For more on Mary Oliver, check out Book Riot’s Reading Pathways to start your journey into this poet’s brilliant, illuminating work.