My Mary Oliver Poems: #3 The Sun

 In this poem, Mary Oliver explores the beautiful and comforting nature of the sun. Every morning, it rises from the other side of the Earth, brightening the world and everyone's day. At the day's end, the sun "floats toward the horizon", gradually dimming the world's light. She describes this process in a magical way, explaining how the sun rises up and down, almost as if it's levitating against Earth's gravitational pull. Without mistake, the sun rises and falls around the same time everyday. Even though someone's day may be hectic and unpredictable, there is always something they can rely on - the sun's illuminating presence. In a society full of twists and turns, this consistency provides a stable factor in everyone's life.

This poem further explains in depth the many different backdrops the sun lights up behind. Each terrain offers a unique viewing experience. Along the water, the sun's reflection can be seen lighting up the waves, shimmering along like a string of lights. Against a forest full of trees, the sun is partially covered, but makes minimal appearances through the gaps. This creates a unique shadow and a visual experience that results in lightness and darkness while walking adjacent to the sun.

My favorite line of this poem is, "do you think there is...a word billowing enough for the pleasure that fills you, as the sun reaches out, as it warms you". Truly, I cannot think of a word that does the sun justice. While I was walking to my nursing simulation a couple weeks ago, a course that starts at 7:00 am sharp, I was pleasantly surprised to witness a gorgeous sunrise. The vibrant hues of pink, orange, and purple made me forget my grogginess from waking up early. If I had not left so early, I would have completely missed this sight. Whenever I am lucky enough to observe a sunrise or sunset like this now, I always make sure to snap a picture. I would like to end this entry with a Beatles quote: "for tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun".