Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.

Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.

📖 Mary Oliver

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Poet

🎂 September 10, 1935  –  ⚰️ January 17, 2019
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Poetry serves as a vital, life-affirming force that transcends mere words or artistic expression. It acts as an essential sustenance for the human spirit, much like the comforting warmth of fire in cold times or the lifesaving ropes thrown to those in peril. This metaphor beautifully captures the profound impact that poetry can have—we often underestimate its power to provide hope, solace, and connection amid life's struggles. Poetry's ability to evoke emotion and foster understanding makes it not just art, but a crucial part of human survival, especially in times of darkness or despair. As Mary Oliver suggests in (A Poetry Handbook), poetry fluctuations are rooted in the need for human resilience. A poem can serve as a beacon, a source of warmth and light that guides us through the cold moments within and outside ourselves. It has the capacity to reach into the depths of our loneliness and turn it into shared human experience. Just as bread sustains the body, poetry sustains and nurtures the soul, offering nourishment that can be as vital as essential items for survival. The idea that poetry is 'something as necessary as bread' is a profound reminder that creativity, reflection, and emotional expression are fundamental to well-being. It encourages us to seek poetry as a source of strength in difficult times, recognizing its vital role in human life and resilience.

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June 23, 2025

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