Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"At Black River" is a poem by Mary Oliver that explores the beauty and wonder of nature, particularly in the context of a river in winter. The poem uses vivid imagery and sensory language to capture the sensory experience of being in nature, and encourages readers to appreciate the natural world in all its complexity and beauty.

Here is a sample verse from the poem:

"Out of the deep and the dark,

A sparkling mystery, a shape,

Something perfect,

Comes like the stir of the day:

One whose breath is an odor,

Whose eyes show the road to stars,

The breeze in his face,

The glory of heaven on his back."

This verse describes the arrival of a mysterious figure, who is depicted as a sparkling and perfect presence that emerges from the depths of the river. The figure is portrayed as having a connection to the natural world, with their breath and eyes pointing to the stars and the wind on their face. The figure is also described as embodying the glory of heaven on their back, suggesting a sense of divine presence in the natural world.

Through this and other verses in the poem, Mary Oliver encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature, and to embrace the mystery and wonder that can be found in even the most ordinary of natural settings. The poem encourages readers to slow down, pay attention to their surroundings, and connect with the natural world in a deep and meaningful way.

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