When it is over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.

-Mary Oliver
From New and Selected Poems

I love the profound sense of self as a mover and choice-maker and the rare observation of a separateness in the world, almost in a way that rejects the idea of humanism and organic unity. A "brotherhood and sisterhood" responsible to one another, not dependent on one another. But what do I know of poetry. I am sure Mary Oliver would slap me.

lovely, moving and well again, lovely!
damn good clip BNM...

Lovely.

I am sure Mary Oliver would slap me.

For thinking deeply about her poem and wanting to discuss it? Surely she wouldn't.

I think that is the highest compliment to a poet.