I simply do not distinguish between work and play.

Mary Oliver

I very much wished not to be noticed, and to be left alone, and I sort of succeeded.

Mary Oliver

Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, Stay awhile.

Mary Oliver

One thing I do know is that poetry, to be understood, must be clear.

Mary Oliver

In this universe we are given two gifts: the ability to love and the ability to question. Which are, at the same time, the fires that warm us and the fires that scorch us.

Mary Oliver

So this is how you swim inward. So this is how you flow outwards. So this is how you pray.

Mary Oliver

It is better for the heart to break, than not to break.

Mary Oliver

I'd rather write about polar bears than people.

Mary Oliver

People want poetry. They need poetry. They get it. They don't want fancy work.

Mary Oliver

I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.

Mary Oliver

To find a new word that is accurate and different, you have to be alert for it.

Mary Oliver

Love yourself. Then forget it. Then, love the world.

Mary Oliver