How to Write Poetry: Guidance from the Legendary Mary Oliver
In this edition, we turn to the enduring wisdom of a highly respected modern poet, Mary Oliver, to extract practical advice for those dedicated to developing their craft. As a professional poet, I often find that revisiting foundational principles, especially from masters like Oliver, can provide fresh clarity and direction.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning poet, particularly renowned for her keen observations of the natural world and her accessible yet profound poetic voice. Her book, "A Poetry Handbook" (1994), offers a wealth of instruction for poets at all levels. Today, we will explore five key tenets from her work that can significantly benefit your writing practice.
1. The Imperative of Reading: Engage Deeply with Poetry
Oliver consistently emphasized that "to be a poet you must be a reader." This extends beyond casual enjoyment to a more analytical engagement. It involves studying how established poets utilize form, sound, imagery, and thematic development.
Instructional Focus: Dedicate regular time to reading diverse poetic works—classic and contemporary. As you read, make notes on specific techniques: How does the poet manage line breaks to create rhythm or suspense? What sonic devices (assonance, consonance) contribute to the poem's musicality? How are metaphors constructed and sustained? This critical reading cultivates an understanding of poetic mechanics.
2. The Practice of Keen Observation: The Foundation of Imagery
A hallmark of Oliver's poetry, and a core piece of her advice, is the directive to "Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." The raw material of poetry often originates from acute observation of the external world and internal experiences. Specific, vivid details are crucial for creating resonant imagery.
Instructional Focus: Cultivate a habit of deliberate observation. Carry a notebook (physical or digital) and record precise details you encounter daily, sensory information concerning light, texture, sound, subtle interactions, or shifts in your environment. Strive for specificity over generalization. Later, review these notes as potential starting points or enriching details for your poems.
3. Mastering the Sound and Rhythm of Language
Oliver's "A Poetry Handbook" dedicates significant attention to the sonic elements of poetry, including meter, rhythm, and the inherent musicality of words (e.g., alliteration, assonance, consonance). She understood poetry as an art form that appeals to the ear as much as to the mind.
Instructional Focus: Read your poems aloud frequently during the drafting process. Listen critically to their cadence and flow. Experiment with word choices to enhance the poem's soundscape. Are there harsh sounds where softness is needed, or vice-versa? Does the rhythm support the poem's emotional tone and subject matter?
4. The Indispensable Role of Revision
While some may view revision as a corrective chore, Oliver approached it as an essential and creative part of the writing process—a method of refining thought, clarifying emotion, and strengthening the poem's impact. As she noted, "Poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost..." Achieving such efficacy requires dedicated reworking.
Instructional Focus: Treat revision not as an admission of failure in the first draft, but as an opportunity for deeper exploration and precision. Set a draft aside for a period, then return to it with fresh eyes. Consider elements such as word choice (seeking the mot juste), lineation, stanzaic structure, pacing, and the overall trajectory of the poem. Be willing to make substantial changes.
5. Writing from Authentic Experience and Emotion
Oliver's poetry resonates deeply due to its perceived authenticity and its grounding in genuine experience and emotion. While poetry involves craft and imagination, its power often stems from a core of sincerely felt truth.
Instructional Focus: Identify subjects, themes, or emotions that genuinely engage you. Write from a place of honest inquiry and feeling, rather than attempting to emulate a perceived "poetic" style or subject. Your unique perspective and authentic voice are your most valuable assets. Explore what matters to you with precision and courage.
These principles from Mary Oliver offer a robust framework for any aspiring poet. Integrating them into your regular writing practice can lead to more perceptive, skillfully crafted, and resonant poetry.
I encourage you to consider which of these areas might most benefit your current work and to share any insights or challenges in the comments section.
What a treasure trove of poetic wisdom is in this piece, Tom. This resonates with me most strongly in two areas. 1. Slow down and observe. Focus on one item and write about its many facets. I think of seashells I used to find on the beach. The texture of the sand against the shell and how the light plays off each one. 2. The rewrite and refinement of a poem. The most crucial part of the poetry writing process, I have found. Some days, I catch so many mistakes that I question how alert I am as a person overall! 😅 Always surprising and always needed - you are so right. A great article, Tom!