Rating: 4 stars of 5

Mary Oliver is one of my very favorite poets. Her work is beautiful and I love the way she paints pictures of the natural world with words. Reading her poetry always leaves me in a state of content reflection.

House of Light is a collection of poems largely centered around the theme of animals, though other elements of nature are represented as well. This volume includes her poem, “The Summer Day,” which features perhaps her most famous line of poetry:

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”

I have read other Mary Oliver collections that I loved more than this one (hence the four stars rather than five), but I did thoroughly enjoy reading it and would recommend it to other readers. ( )

Now I know what poetry is. Now I know it is not merely broken up prose or rhyming lines. Now I know a poem is something that shines light on the soul, bringing out all the light and dark that resides there. Now I have a favorite poet: thank you, Mary Oliver.


I originally checked this small collection out from my local library, having no idea what to expect. Someone had recommended this poet to me the week before. From the first poem on, I was entranced. After (very) reluctantly returning the collection to the library, I now own a much larger collection: [b:New and Selected Poems, Volume One|71642|New and Selected Poems, Volume One|Mary Oliver|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388978549l/71642._SY75_.jpg|69377]. ( )

"...and, sometimes,
from a lifetime ago
and another country
such a willing and lilting companion—
a song
made so obviously for me.
At what unknowable cost.
And by a stranger." ( )

https://shawjonathan.com/2020/04/10/mary-olivers-house-of-light/ ( )

Mary Oliver's poetry is fine and deep; it reads like a blessing.Her special gift is to connect us with our sources in the natural world, its beauties and terrors and mysteries and consolations. Stanley Kunitz