Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

EVERY MORNING, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Mary Oliver's poem "Every Morning" is a powerful meditation on the relentless presence of death and destruction in our world, as mediated through the daily ritual of reading the news. Through vivid and often harrowing imagery, Oliver explores the complex emotions elicited by these reports, ranging from detachment and horror to a reluctant acknowledgment of our shared humanity.

The poem begins with a simple, almost mundane action: "I read the papers, / I unfold them and examine them in the sunlight." This ordinary morning routine sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the impact of news on the human psyche. The sunlight, typically associated with clarity and hope, here contrasts with the dark content of the newspapers, emphasizing the stark reality of the violence and suffering that unfolds before the reader's eyes.

Oliver uses the image of "red mortars, in photographs, arc[ing] down into the neighborhoods like stars" to illustrate the striking and devastating beauty of war. The comparison to stars suggests both the ubiquity and the distant, almost otherworldly nature of such violence. This image is immediately followed by the description of how "death / combs everything into a gray rubble," highlighting the transformation from vibrant life to desolation. The camera's movement, shifting from one scene of destruction to the next, reflects the fleeting attention span of media consumption, where the focus is often brief and superficial.

The poet's internal conflict is palpable as she acknowledges a "dark part of my soul / shivers: you don't want to know more about this." This line captures the instinctual desire to turn away from pain and suffering, to remain ignorant of the horrors that others endure. However, the subsequent realization—"you don't know anything unless you do"—compels her to confront the harsh truths depicted in the news. This acknowledgment underscores the moral imperative to bear witness, to understand the realities of our world even when they are uncomfortable or distressing.

Oliver's depiction of the victims' experiences is haunting: "How the sleepers wake and run to the cellars, how the children scream, their tongues trying to swim away." These visceral images convey the terror and chaos of those caught in conflict, emphasizing their desperate attempts to escape and survive. The morning, described as appearing "like a slow white rose," contrasts with the destruction, suggesting a fragile beauty that persists even amidst devastation.

The poem continues to paint a grim picture of life in war-torn areas: "the figures climb over the bubbled thresholds, move among the smashed cars, the streets where the clanging ambulances won't stop all day." The relentless presence of death is depicted as both a historical constant and a habitual occurrence, highlighting the normalization of violence in some parts of the world. Oliver's use of repetition—"death and death, messy death— / death as history, death as a habit"—reinforces the pervasive and inescapable nature of this reality.

In a poignant moment, the camera pauses on a family that miraculously survives: "while a family counts itself, and all of them are alive, their mouths dry caves of wordlessness in the smudged moons of their faces." This image captures the profound shock and relief of survival, yet also the deep, unspeakable trauma that lingers. The "craziness we have so far no name for" suggests a collective struggle to comprehend and articulate the depths of such experiences.

The poem concludes with a return to the poet's perspective: "all this I read in the papers, in the sunlight, / I read with my cold, sharp eyes." The repetition of "I read" emphasizes the act of witnessing and the responsibility it entails. The "cold, sharp eyes" imply a critical, unflinching gaze, suggesting that the poet, and by extension the reader, must confront these realities with clear-eyed honesty and resolve.

"Every Morning" by Mary Oliver is a compelling exploration of the tension between the desire to remain ignorant of suffering and the moral duty to bear witness. Through her evocative imagery and poignant reflections, Oliver challenges readers to engage deeply with the world's harsh realities, recognizing both the pain and the resilience of those who endure. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the continuous effort to make sense of the senseless in our shared human experience.


Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net