Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver

Devotions is a handpicked selection of Mary Oliver’s most beloved poems, curated by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet herself. Spanning over five decades of her career, this collection invites readers to wander through Oliver’s profound observations of the natural world and her reflections on life’s quiet miracles. From her early work in No Voyage and Other Poems to later pieces from Felicity , the book showcases her timeless ability to find wonder in ordinary moments—whether watching a bird in flight, contemplating a sunrise, or musing on the interconnectedness of all living things.

Oliver’s writing blends simplicity with depth, offering readers a spiritual roadmap to mindfulness and gratitude. Her poems often ask urgent, universal questions about purpose and joy, urging us to “pay attention” and “tell about it.” This anthology not only celebrates her technical mastery but also her gift for translating the language of nature into lessons on how to live fully.

The collection’s enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and emotional resonance. Fans of Oliver’s work will rediscover classics like “The Summer Day,” while new readers will find an inviting entry point into her poetic universe. Each poem feels like a conversation with a wise friend, blending reverence for the earth with unflinching honesty about the human experience.

Included in this edition are heartfelt endorsements from readers and critics alike, praising Oliver’s ability to “transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.” The book’s structure—arranged thematically rather than chronologically—creates a meditative rhythm, encouraging slow, deliberate reading.

A must-read for poetry lovers and seekers of solace, Devotions is both a tribute to Oliver’s legacy and a testament to the power of poetry to ground us in beauty, even in chaotic times.