Thirst: Poems Paperback – September 1, 2007

Oliver's writing is usually great. I very much enjoy it. Just received this and haven't read it yet. I've been buying used books lately. They're a good value - exactly what I can afford. Several of the used books that I received lately have had a description that says the book is in great condition, but the book that I received is in horrible condition and I've sent it back. 'Goodwill of the Great Plains E - Store' said in their description that this book was in good condition and the book that I received from them was in great condition! There are several other sellers that delivered as promised and I apologize to them for not mentioning their names here. I've got no connection to anything or anyone in Kansas. I'm in NJ, I know where it is and I've driven through it and that's as far as it goes. No one's paying me to compliment these folks.

In the very first line of the very first poem of Mary Oliver's new collection of poetry, entitled Thirst, she says "My work is loving the world" (Messenger). In the very last poem of this slim volume, she says "Love for the earth and love for you are having such a long conversation in my heart" (Thirst). These poems bookend a new affirmation of faith for Oliver: For the first time in her life, at the age of 71, she is writing from an apparent Christian framework, loving the world of marshes, ponds, beaches, bears and dogs and the Creator of all these things she has so long loved.These are poems that celebrate the world of Creation, that praise the Creator, that walk through grief (Oliver lost her long time partner and agent, Molly Malone Cook, in 1995) into resolute hope, that point beyond nature and grief to the Giver of all. Her love of nature might be seen in the way she addresses it as addressing a good friend, as in "When I Am Among the Trees," where she saysAround me the trees stir in their leavesand call out, "Stay awhile."The light flows from their branches.And they call again, "It's simple," they say,"and you too have comeinto the world to do this, to go easy, to be filledwith light, and to shine."There are poems about ribbon snakes, roses, a great moth, otters, Percy (her dog), and that great conversation ("And still I believe you will/ come, Lord: you will, when I speak to the fox,/ the sparrow, the lost dog, the shivering sea goose, know/ that really I am speaking to you" (Making the House Ready for the Lord).And then there is grief. I loved this one (Percy (Four)), so simple, so true, about doing what need be done as we wait for grief to pass and life to go on, moving faithfully yet mutely through each day:I went to church.I walked on the beachand played with Percy.I answered the phoneand paid the bills.I did the laundry.I spoke her namea hundred times.I knelt in the darkand said some holy words.I went downstairs,I watered the flowers,I fed Percy.That's it. No emotion here. She just did what needed to be done, including praying, though she was in that state where you seem to have lost all feeling.In the end though, after the poems of creation and poems of grief, what stand out are the affirmations of faith. In "Coming to God: First Days," she says "Lord, I would run for you, loving the miles for your sake./ I would climb the highest tree/ to be that much closer." In "Six Recognitions of the Lord," she celebrates "everywhere the luminous sprawl of gifts,/ the hospitality of the Lord and my/ inadequate answers as I row my beautiful, temporary body/ through this water-lily world." And, at last, in "Thirst," she writes "Another morning and I wake with thirst/ for the goodness I do not have. I walk/ out to the pond and all the way God has/ given us such beautiful lessons."Mary Oliver thirsts for God. Some will disagree with her lifestyle (Molly Malone Cook was truly her life partner), but her faith seems real as is her love of the world and her experience of grief. Those are things that must resonate with us, as we are human too.Most helpful is the accessibility of these poems. Many people will be able to read and enjoy them. The language is simple yet elegant. The "space" in the poems created by their economy is an almost aural testimony to the awe with which she regards the life of the world and, now, the One who made it all.I highly recommend this book of poetry. It's like walkiong through a room of Monet paintings: there's not much not to love. Use it to stimulate your own love of nature and of nature's God.

I've been wanting to read Mary Oliver's poems for quite a few years and finally took the plunge. I had very high expectations for this poetry book and was not disappointed. I also love the cover of this book as it speaks of infinite possibilities and worlds yet undiscovered.What I loved most about this book is how it will make you think of the world with more appreciation. Reading this book is truly a spiritual experience.When reading I could instantly relate to her poems, especially "Messenger" as she talks about hummingbirds and I'd just spent a week at my mother's house watching her hummingbirds drink out of a feeder. It made me realize how true her statement was. As she says: "My work is loving the world."Her second poem was about snow and I just survived the massive snow storm in the Seattle area. She is a very accessible poet and I could more fully understand her appreciation of nature and beauty after my week dealing with the elements. I felt I read this book at the right time as I could relate to her sense of wonder.This is a book I'd love to give to anyone who loves poetry and even to those who don't. The vivid images and the invitation to a deeper relationship with God is truly beautiful. Two poems made me laugh but two poems also brought me close to tears with their magnificence.I like how she ends some of her poems with a sense of mystery. These poems will bless you with their beauty. Mary Oliver's soul is truly extraordinary and exquisite. After reading this book I am filled with gratitude and love. Reading these poems will leave you with a warm glow in your heart.~The Rebecca Review

This is a lovely book by Mary Oliver. I very much like her writing and so she always seems to get five stars from me ... adjust my score according to your own tastes? She is generally a very happy and thoughtful writer who tends to see the best in things. Very much and outdoors, nature observation kind of poet.

I have been reading and been renewed and sustained by Mary Oliver for almost two decades now and I am finding her books to source here Dublin. That is about the 20th Thirst I have given as a present. three cheers and Alleluia for Gods gift of Mary Oliver to the world. I hope someone tells her everyday.

good condition and deliverymary oliver poems.....how could they be anything but beautiful

Arrived promptly. Excellent condition. Very inspiring poems

This is a beautiful book of poetry. I love all of Mary Olivers work but this one touched me more than any other.