INTERVIEW: Mary Oliver, Listening to the World

I came across a beautiful interview in which Krista Tippett interviews Mary Oliver on her amazing podcast On Being.

Krista Tippett’s On Being is known for its deeply introspective and thought-provoking interviews, and few episodes have resonated as profoundly as her conversation with the beloved poet Mary Oliver. Titled “Listening to the World,” this interview offered a rare glimpse into the mind of a literary icon whose work has long inspired readers to connect with nature and their inner selves.

Mary Oliver’s poetry is a celebration of the natural world, capturing its beauty, mystery, and profound simplicity. In her conversation with Tippett, Oliver delved into the philosophy behind her work, revealing how her keen observations and profound reflections are rooted in a deep sense of listening.

The interview begins with Tippett’s admiration for Oliver’s ability to evoke a sense of wonder and spirituality through her poems. Oliver’s response is characteristically humble and insightful. She speaks of her childhood in Ohio, where she found solace and inspiration in the woods near her home. It was in these moments of solitude that she began to listen—really listen—to the world around her. This practice of attentive listening became the cornerstone of her poetic voice.

Oliver’s reflections on her creative process are both enlightening and relatable. She describes writing as an act of attention, an act of love. For Oliver, poetry is not just about capturing what she sees but about immersing herself fully in the experience of the world. This immersive quality is evident in poems like “Wild Geese” and “The Summer Day,” where the simplicity of her language belies the depth of her observations.

One of the most poignant moments in the interview comes when Oliver discusses the role of gratitude in her life and work. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including a difficult childhood and struggles with depression, Oliver speaks of an enduring sense of gratitude for the beauty of the world. She recounts how even in the darkest times, the simple act of paying attention to the natural world around her brought solace and inspiration.

Tippett’s conversation with Oliver also touches on themes of spirituality and the sacred. While Oliver often resisted labeling her work as explicitly religious, she acknowledges a deep spiritual current that runs through her poetry. She speaks of the natural world as a source of profound mystery and reverence, a place where the sacred is found in the ordinary. This perspective resonates deeply with Tippett’s own exploration of spirituality and the human experience.

“Listening to the World” is more than just an interview; it is an invitation to pause, to listen, and to find beauty in the world around us. Mary Oliver’s words remind us of the power of poetry to connect us to the deeper truths of our existence. Her legacy as a poet is not just in the words she wrote but in the way she lived her life—with attentiveness, gratitude, and a deep sense of wonder.

For those who have long admired Oliver’s work, this interview is a treasure. For those new to her poetry, it serves as a beautiful introduction to a poet whose words have the power to transform the way we see the world. As Tippett aptly concludes, Mary Oliver teaches us that by listening to the world, we can find our place within it.