If I were to be exiled to a deserted island for a year, and if I were only allowed to take one book with me, I know instantly which book to take! From among the 500 books I have on my Kindle and the other 200 books I have in my library, I would choose
Devotions, the Selected Poems of Mary
Oliver.
This compilation features poems from books written across 52 years and is a journal of life, not just a particular life, but life as it can be lived if only one has the courage to take the challenge.
This book is truly spiritually and occasionally almost religious. Ms. Oliver has the ability to help us see the miracle that is the beautiful world we inhabit. She opens our eyes to sights that we have been too busy to notice, and makes us stop long enough to delight in one perfect blossom. Ms Oliver knows we are all part of God’s good creation - though she does not limit God to a particular doctrine or creed.
Many of the poems are centered in nature, but there are also poems covering life from birth to death, from joy to grief and everything in between.
Being an animal lover, I especially enjoyed the selections from the book, “Dog Songs” although I cry every time I read the one about burying the old black lab.
The book does not give you answers, but provides questions that will keep you pondering them for a year...exactly what I need if exiled to a deserted island!
