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Meaning
The speaker is saying that her early work happened in private, with a long period of steady writing and little public exposure. She emphasizes that she did not focus on publishing or public readings during that time.
When It Was Said
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Who It Was Said To
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Historical Context
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Source
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
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About Mary Oliver
American poet
Mary Oliver was an American poet whose work reached wide audiences, and who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and the National Book Award in 1992. She is known for poetry shaped by close attention to the natural world. Her writing draws much of its force from nature, solitary walks, and a lasting sense of wonder. It is marked by vivid images, spiritual feeling, and plain language, qualities that made her one of the best-selling poets in American history.
More from Mary Oliver (131 quotes) →Other sayings from Mary Oliver
- “Oh Lord of melons, of mercy, though I am not ready, nor worthy, I am climbing towards you.”Mary Oliver
- “I would rather write poems than prose, any day, any place. Yet each has its own force.”Mary Oliver
- “You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert, repen…”Mary Oliver
- “I grew up in a confused house: too much unwanted attention or none at all.”Mary Oliver
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READ THE SOURCE
Books by Mary Oliver
Poems
1992
Dog Songs
2014
A thousand mornings
2012
Blue horses
2014
Devotions
2017