This continues the series of columns that highlight a much-loved poem and presents other poems that speak to, or resonate with, that poem. This week features “Lead,” by Mary Oliver. The second related poem is by Emily Dickinson; the third is one of mine. The complete Poetry Foundation entry on Mary Oliver is available at Poetry Foundation: Mary Oliver. In part it states: Poet Mary Oliver is an “indefatigable guide to the natural world,”
Wild Nights—Wild Nights! Were I with thee Wild Nights should be Our luxury! Futile—the Winds— To a Heart in port— Done with the Compass— Done with the Chart! Rowing in Eden— Ah, the Sea! Might I but moor—Tonight— In Thee! Emily Dickinson
New England holds its antique charms for such a one as me. The woods, the waves, the poets’ graves call pilgrims seasonally. The village green in Amherst dreams of Dickinson and Frost. The shades of these speak poetry in rhymes sublime and soft. But double Concords, Salems, too, plus devious round-abouts conspire to witch my waxing moods and ground my happy muse. A Rockies girl’s too straight and plain to
