Leid Hall is a marvalous venue for arts. Modern, accustically sound, physically comfortable in seating. I have no idea for certain what the attendence was but it was easily 400 or more.
This was my first live contact with Mary Oliver and I came away with a few thoughts about who she is and how that informs her work. She appears to me not at all a very complex person. She did not impress me as someone who carries the real her inside a fake facide but rather is transparent. I think you pretty much get the genuine Mary Oliver right away.
I would describe her in these words:
- humble
- peaceful
- spiritual though not perhaps not religiously traditional
- a naturalist
- accessible (a word that causes me to cringe)
- private
There was at the center of this reading, a person at profound peace with herself. So much so that I could not help but feel the presence of peace. I enjoyed the reading atmosphere which was quite different from what I normally attend. I picked up a copy of her book Thurst. There were newer ones that looked especially interesting but this book had some poems that I felt my wife might enjoy as well. There is always hope. ;)
After I've finished it I will review it here.
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