"We all know the famous line: “what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” Now let’s explore the discoveries and themes revealed in the recent biopic, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World. Despite her fame and Pulitzer prize, Oliver was a poet who struggled for acceptance but loved who she loved despite family trauma. In this class we'll read and discuss some of the dozen or so of her poems, which are featured in the film. Then we'll use Oliver’s work as a jumping off point for our own writing to enjoy and share.
In the second part of the class we'll visit the work of the diverse group of poets featured in the film, including Mark Doty, Major Jackson, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Ariana Rienes, Donika Kelly, and Ada Limón. How do their appreciations of Oliver enter their work—or not? More writing and sharing will follow. Everyone is welcome. Mary Oliver is more than what you imagined.
Participants are encouraged, but not at all required, to have watched the 90-minute film Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World available on DVD at Denver Public Library, streaming on Kanopy or for a small free with other streaming services.
