My Mary Oliver Poems: #1 Whelks

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 One of Mary Oliver's poems that particularly resonated with me focuses on the effect that time has on nature. In this specific poem, Oliver recounts her daily walks along the shore and the wildlife that she encounters. Along the coast are beautiful, spotless creatures with shells that haven't been withered down by the forces of the ocean. However, Oliver always draws her attention towards the whelks. These snails' shells have been broken and cracked over the years, resulting in them losing their pristine appearance. Nevertheless, Oliver seeks out the whelks and ponders upon the time they have spent on Earth, subject to the uncontrollable forces that exist. 

My favorite line of this poem is, "I have been restless--I have felt there is something more wonderful than wholeness--than staying at home". Oliver metaphorically compares her life to the wildlife among the shore. In life, she can either stay at home and remain untouched, or spent her time outside enjoying what the world has to offer, even if it means aging will take a toll over time. In the end, the joys of life cannot be experienced if one does not take the opportunities that come their way. Otherwise, they will live a life of regret and ponder upon the chances they missed out on.

This particular poem reminds me of this beautiful tree that sat upon my front yard at home in San Marino, California. This tree, the species unknown to me, had presumably been there for decades. Once a year, these beautiful white flowers would bloom, capturing the attention of our entire street. I was always the first person to notice its flowers; this made me develop an attachment to the tree and look forward to its new bloom. Last year, the tree unexpectedly fell over. It showed no warning signs of dying, its leaves still green and bark so vibrant. Ever since, there has been a void in our front yard. This tree reminds me of the limited time we have here on Earth. If you can provide joy somehow and make a difference, such as the whelks and my tree did, you too can make a difference.



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