Special Post-Message

I chose this piece of literature after realizing that I should not seek for simply one meaning when reading literature. Instead, I should be open to gaining as much information as possible even more than what I imagine. While reading, I felt as though this piece of literature fit perfectly with what I have been experiencing recently and might also be relative to those who read it. This poem aroused various questions that many of us think every day but may also be those questions that many times we tend to avoid. Reading this poem may be viewed as just as some writing or it as an amazing art piece expressed through writing. This poem having been read with an open mind may change and even bring about some sort of transformation.
After having read and reread this poem I wasn’t entirely sure of what the different meanings of this poem were. One could simply restrict the poem’s meaning when just focusing on nature and not viewing it from any other perspective. The end result of that you then have chosen to be ignorant instead of acknowledging and learning from viewing it from different perspectives. Another very powerful thought that Mary Oliver presents is learning to be astonished. I think that thought definitely caught my attention because I had never thought about it before reading it in her poem. I constantly ask myself what exactly learning to be astonished even mean? Then I think, its not forgetting about the little things that come your way. Learning to appreciate a growing mushroom the same way as being blown away by the scenery of an enormous killer whale diving into the ocean as the water reflects the red-orange colors of the setting sun. Also, this poem may mean sending the message of how human and nature surround each other; we all live together. We live rejoicing in the beauty of the earth. Thus saying that the mouth serves as the messenger announcing with joy the greatness of living in this beautiful earth. Appreciating both humans with animals, but also a special emphasis on embracing the beauty of nature. In this poem we are encouraged to rejoice with our surroundings instead of simply complaining. Mary Oliver encourages us to pay attention to our surroundings- to stop and listen. She encourages us to observe and take notice of the beauty within. Overall this poem has helped me realize the importance of using the mouth as the messenger declaring joy instead of always complaining. It’s the mouth that spread knowledge of how great it is to live forever.

Mary Oliver ,
“Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me
Keep my mind on what matters, which is my work,”

A few sentences that follow Mary Oliver states that her job is to love the world. Reading this section of the poem almost seems as if she’s worried about her job. Not what her job is but whether she is still apt to doing it well. She questions whether or not she’s qualified or has enough experience to continue her job. She asks if her boots are old and if her coat is torn. She then asks if she is just too old for the job. With all these thoughts in her mind I’m sure she wonders if she will be able to keep up with all that her job requires of her. So many questions flood her mind causing showers of doubt from deep within. Where she was once certain and sure, she now finds herself questioning. How many times do we experience just as much doubt as Mary Oliver. As a college student, one who will be student-teaching in the fall for that matter I find myself asking similar questions as those of Mary Oliver. As a teacher you are required so much inside of the classroom as well as outside, instructing is simply one aspect of teaching. There are certainly other aspects to being a teacher that we usually don’t think about. I ask myself not whether I am too old or if my coat is torn but, whether I am ready for this new experience. I wonder if what I do will be enough to cause them to dream and dream big. I wonder if what I believed I would be like is actually who I will be in the classroom setting? I wonder if its what I think it will be like? I feel as though Mary Oliver and I have similar questions concerning our purpose. Mary Oliver questions her abilities to continue with her job, while I question if I am at all capable to doing a job well done.
I am amazed at how quickly Mary shifts her thinking from questioning whether she is capable of doing such a wonderful job to remembering her focus. Mary’s focus is her job-embracing nature, and loving the world. Though she might not have as much charisma or strength as she once had she set her mind in doing her best. Although her boots were old and her coat was torn she has a great desire to continue observing and appreciating beauty as it presents itself. Mary Oliver passage has helped me come to this realization, although you may be afraid for what is ahead just make sure to not lose sight of your focus. Whatever you have set as a goal or something to accomplish don’t give up although it may seem quite difficult to do and or help. Mary’s questioning and doubt did not stop her from doing her job and therefore should serve as an encouragement for those who doubt and us who constantly question. Get back up and don’t lose sight of what your purpose/calling is.