New and Selected Poems, Volume Two

Synopsis

Mary Oliver has been writing poetry for nearly five decades, and in that time she has become America's foremost poetic voice on our experience of the physical world. This collection presents forty-two new poems-an entire volume in itself-along with works chosen by Oliver from six of the books she has published since New and Selected Poems, Volume One.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Weary Blues

This chapter consists of poems that evoke the rhythms and melodies of jazz and blues music. It explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning in modern life.

Example:

* "The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes

This poem depicts a weary blues singer pouring his soul into his music, expressing the pain and frustration of everyday life. The repetitive refrain "Sweet Mama" conveys a longing for connection and respite.

Chapter 2: A Lovely Love

This chapter focuses on the theme of love, exploring its many facets, from romantic joy to heartbreak and despair.

Example:

* "A Lovely Love" by George Oppen

This spare and poignant poem celebrates the transformative power of love, which can "make the dead get up and walk." The simple language and understated imagery create a powerful impact.

Chapter 3: The Lost Land

This chapter delves into the themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The poems often evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past that can never be fully recaptured.

Example:

* "The Lost Land" by Robert Frost

This poem reflects on the fleeting nature of childhood and the inevitable passage from innocence to maturity. The speaker yearns for the simplicity and freedom of his youth, now lost forever.

Chapter 4: The Waste Land

This chapter takes its name from T.S. Eliot's seminal poem and explores themes of disillusionment, fragmentation, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.

Example:

* "Spring and All" by William Carlos Williams

This poem juxtaposes images of destruction and renewal, capturing the chaotic and paradoxical nature of modern life. The fragmented language and disjointed imagery create a sense of disorientation and existential angst.

Chapter 5: The Book of Hours

This chapter includes poems that explore the themes of religion, spirituality, and the passage of time. Many poems engage with traditional religious imagery and concepts, while others offer a more secular perspective.

Example:

* "The Book of Hours" by Rilke

This poem is a meditation on the cycle of life and death, using the image of a Book of Hours as a metaphor for the human soul's journey. The poem reflects on the interconnectedness of all living creatures and the ultimate mystery of existence.