Why I Wake Early: New Poems Paperback – April 15, 2005

Mary Oliver paints canvases with her palette of words. Vivid colors and dusky colors. She awakens my soul as I am transported to a world of delight.

Enjoyment

This book is my first introduction to Mary Oliver. I'm a morning person and I love nature, so this collection of poems was my selection for hosting book club. None of the poems were deep or life-changing but were gentle reminders to pause to notice and appreciate the little things. In addition, the poems helped remind me to find joy in the smallest tasks (refreshing a bouquet of flowers) or small items (an arrowhead or a busy insect). I feel like I should try my hand at writing a poem about unloading the dishwasher - as that is a task I currently avoid!! Maybe I would learn to like unloading the dishwasher. :)

I love Mary Oliver and this was the first book by her that I ever read. Her ability to convey emotion so clearly into words is amazing. This particular set of poems all focus on the beauty that surrounds us each day. I would consider this and excellent place to start if you want to understand poetry as the poems are easy to understand for any laymen while still exhibiting complexity for those that wish to dive deeper.I would recommend this poetry for those that are looking for something gentle and soothing and uplifting. If you want poems that are emotionally charged or angry, this is not the book of poems for you.

Beautiful book of poetry/essays. If you like nature, you'll love this book.

I love how Mary sees life in everything. The beauty in all of it. The phrase, fifteen minutes of music with nothing playing is so true today when we are too busy to notice. How much goes on in our daily lives and we think it's nothing.

Mary Oliver has an eye for subtle detail and the ability to capture an entire scene in just a few words.

I typically rise early, typically at 5:00 AM. I start my day in the right direction by reading one of her poems. Reading her sets my priorities right at the beginning of the day. It's a shame she was never appointed Poet Laurette. One nice thing about Oliver's poems is that they are bite size. They don't go on for page after page before you get to the punch line. You get the point fast but not without some subtlety. Get this book, and read as it is meant to be read You will not be disappointed. You will fall in love with Oliver as I have.

Spectacular. Invigorating. Bewitching.

I love Mary Oliver's poems and this book is definitely a winner. It has a lot of beautiful poems in it.

i love all her poems

An inspiring, calming and life affirming collection ...I would never be without it

Enjoyment so far