Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mary Oliver’s poem "What Is It?" invites readers to explore the fluid boundaries between perception and reality, highlighting the transformative and interconnected nature of the natural world. Through vivid imagery and contemplative reflections, Oliver challenges our assumptions about the permanence and singularity of existence.

The poem begins with a question that sets the tone for its exploration of ambiguity and transformation: "Who can say, / is it a snowy egret or a white flower standing / at the glossy edge of the lily-and frog-filled pond?" This opening line immediately immerses readers in a scene of natural beauty, where the lines between flora and fauna are blurred. The "snowy egret" and "white flower" are visually indistinguishable, suggesting a deeper unity within nature.

Oliver paints a rich picture of the pond’s ecosystem: "Hours ago the orange sun / opened the cups of the lilies and the leopard frogs began kicking their long muscles, / breast-stroking / like little green dwarves under the roof of the rich, iron-colored water." The imagery of the sun opening the lilies and the frogs swimming emphasizes the dynamic, life-filled environment. The comparison of frogs to "little green dwarves" adds a touch of whimsy, while "rich, iron-colored water" hints at the pond’s depth and mystery.

The focus shifts to the salamander eggs: "Now the soft eggs of the salamander in their wrappings of jelly begin to shiver. / They're tired of sleep. / They have a new idea." The eggs’ movement symbolizes the onset of life and change. The description "wrappings of jelly" conveys their fragility and potential, while the phrase "They have a new idea" personifies the eggs, suggesting an innate drive toward transformation and exploration.

The salamander larvae’s journey is portrayed with a sense of inevitability and freedom: "They want to swim away into the world. Who could stop them? / Who could tell them / to go cautiously, to flow slowly under the lily pads?" These lines highlight the unstoppable force of nature’s progress and the futility of imposing human caution on natural instincts. The imagery of them "like the black fingerprints of the rain" evokes a sense of multitude and organic movement.

A dramatic shift occurs as the poem describes the predatory action of the egret: "The frogs freeze into perfect five-fingered / shadows, but suddenly the flower has fire-colored eyes / and one of the shadows vanishes. / Clearly, now, the flower is a bird." This moment of revelation and predation underscores the fluidity and interconnectedness within the ecosystem. The transformation from flower to bird captures the constant flux and surprises inherent in nature.

The egret’s movement is depicted with elegance and luminosity: "It lifts its head, it lifts the hinges / of its snowy wings, tossing a moment of light in every direction, like a chandelier, / and then once more is still." The comparison to a chandelier accentuates the bird’s beauty and the brief, radiant disturbance it creates in the scene before returning to stillness.

The poem concludes with a profound reflection on the nature of existence and transformation: "The salamanders, / like tiny birds, locked into formation, fly down into the endless mysteries / of the transforming water, and how could anyone believe that anything in this world is only what it appears to be / that anything is ever final— / that anything, in spite of its absence, ever dies a perfect death?" This final passage suggests that all life is part of a continuous, transformative cycle. The metaphor of salamanders "like tiny birds" emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creatures, while the idea that nothing "ever dies a perfect death" challenges notions of finality and encourages a view of life as an ever-evolving process.

Structurally, the poem’s free verse and flowing lines reflect the natural, unforced progression of life and transformation within the pond. Oliver’s language is both precise and lyrical, capturing the intricate details and broader philosophical musings inspired by observing the natural world.

In conclusion, "What Is It?" by Mary Oliver is a contemplative and richly descriptive poem that explores themes of transformation, perception, and the interconnectedness of life. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, Oliver challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about the natural world and embrace the mystery and fluidity that define existence. The poem invites a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of nature’s continuous cycle of life, death, and transformation.

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