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A review by vtranreads
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Is it a crime to not include a poem, germinated from all that I have absorbed on the subject from this handbook?
The answer is no, and I only feel so sure and relieved to say so because Mary reveals that it could take nearly 50 revisions and a great amount of time and work before a poem is complete.
That is only one of the many takeaways I have gotten from this book which I intend to revisit again and again.
Though it's primary purpose was to be instructional, there were such beautiful phrases Mary used to convey her technical knowledge, insights, and opinions (which at times could be unflinching blunt). I feel so lucky to be able to read the words of a master on the subject. It underlined all the respect and love she has for the craft and those that practice it well. Even if I never write a poem that I feel embodies the virtues elucidated in this volume, I'll carry these ideas with me as I am encouraged to be more patient and to see better.
The answer is no, and I only feel so sure and relieved to say so because Mary reveals that it could take nearly 50 revisions and a great amount of time and work before a poem is complete.
That is only one of the many takeaways I have gotten from this book which I intend to revisit again and again.
Though it's primary purpose was to be instructional, there were such beautiful phrases Mary used to convey her technical knowledge, insights, and opinions (which at times could be unflinching blunt). I feel so lucky to be able to read the words of a master on the subject. It underlined all the respect and love she has for the craft and those that practice it well. Even if I never write a poem that I feel embodies the virtues elucidated in this volume, I'll carry these ideas with me as I am encouraged to be more patient and to see better.