Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was one of America’s most significant and best-selling poets. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in nearby Maple Heights, Mary was an “indefatigable guide to the natural world,” wrote Maxine Kumin. She passed away on January 17, 2019.

In the north country now it is spring and there

Is a certain celebration. The thrush has come home…

It is okay to know only

One song if it is this one. Hear it

Rise and fall; the very elements of your soul

Shiver nicely. What would spring be

Without it? Mostly frogs. But don’t worry, he

Arrives, year after year, humble and obedient

And gorgeous. You listen and you know

You could live a better life than you do, be

Softer, kinder. And maybe this year you will

— Mary Oliver from 'North Country'