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Poet Mary Oliver treats Salem to a visit
by Kelsey Shields
Yearbook Editor/J-Lab Contributing Writer
“I always have a notebook with me,” said poet Mary Oliver during the question and answer section of her visit to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Oliver, born in Ohio and living in Massachusetts, filled the large auditorium on her first visit to Portland.
Oliver, who according to Dr. Colette Tennant, English professor, is one of the “top three” modern poets of the nation,and has earned a whole stack of awards during her career, including the Pulitzer Prize.
Her poetry appeals to a large audience. Buddhists have claimed her as their own, which she denied in Portland. She also has poems, such as “Gethsemane,” that carry strong Christian messages. In regards to spiritual matters, she referred to herself as still wondering about many answers.
Oliver spoke of taking daily walks near her home, a fact supported by the strong nature tone of her poetry. “[There is] a rhythm in walking as there is a rhythm in writing,” she said. As note in her introduction, “She would rather write about polar bears than poets.”
Many poems Oliver chose to read were out of her book “Thirst,” published in 2007. They largely deal with the loss of Oliver’s lifetime partner. Her 12th book of poems, “Red Bird,” is to come out in April.
To aspiring poets, Oliver said, “Get lots of pencils.” She expressed her opinion that typing on the computer is “too neat.” Oliver herself writes between three and 40 drafts before producing a final product.
The audience received Oliver with many, many laughs, and an equal amount of contemplative silence. Some laughs were gained by her “Percy poems” which are about her beloved dog, Percy. Also enjoyed was her comment, “How miserable I was after the football game on Sunday.”
Listeners young and old, new and weathered, awarded Oliver with a standing ovation.
