Poems on Mary Oliver by Top Critiquers

Mary Oliver in Edo Period Japan

lived as a subordinate  
  tending family land;    
 
circumvented convention  
 when blood-letting  
 into slump-soiled cherry roots;  
each blossom's scarlet-stained  
 heart worn on its pink sleeve;  
 
groomed blue horses without fences  
  dazzling over squash-colored fields—  
counted five species of mimicking loons  
  drowning tadpole voices  
  down woodland throats;  
    
 remained alone after best-  
 friend Ai was purchased  
  by an...

The journey starts with one small step. It is one step into the world
Where the tides and waves all rush to meet at your feet as you walk
In the sand on the beach’s shoreline, following endless words curled

On forgotten pages. Above all the endless noise, chatter and the talk
Of those around you is where you begin to find your bearings. It is
When you see the stars and you are away from the advice of a hawk

You find your voice. You want someone else to come fix and un-fizz
Your life like the aftermath of a chaotic storm or glass of champagne, ...

What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend,
it ceases to exist."
               - Salman Rushdie


"Speak, or be unheard,
open your mind or be confined.
You have so much to say
don't let self doubt take it away.
Open minds and hearts are listening
and they can affirm what is humanity
expressing and being itself in you
opinions aren't right or wrong, just unique;
it is bravery in action to shout in your
true voice as a lion would roar
and a fearless voice is a blessing
even in the...