Who am I that I
read Mary Oliver and think
I’m a writer too?
I photograph and write haikus as I walk around my yard, the woods, or the lake. Often I do this after I’ve soaked in Mary Oliver’s poetry. I’m still pondering her use of the word “iceberg,” in “When Death Comes.” I might have used “ice pick.” I know there is a reason, having read her Poetry Handbook.
The August 2026 release of the PBS American Masters Documentary about Mary Oliver, Saved by the Beauty of the World, prompts me to post these resources for those who love the sound of her voice, who bathe in the beauty of her words.
PBS: American Masters: Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World: (1:22:25 video) https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/mary-oliver-documentary/37967/
Mary Oliver’s Official Webpage features bio, books, and more: https://maryoliver.com/
Mary Oliver reads from A Thousand Mornings at 92nd Street Y: (41 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsr3ZZzH-MA
Mary Oliver in conversation with Coleman Barks, August 2001 (33 minute video): https://vimeo.com/11367099
A tribute to Mary Oliver at 92nd Street Y: (1 hour, 6 minute video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSixhSzkZDc
Krista Tippett’s On Being audio Interview with Mary Oliver: “I got saved by the beauty of the world,” (Original air date February 5, 2015): edited and unedited versions available, with transcripts: https://onbeing.org/programs/mary-oliver-i-got-saved-by-the-beauty-of-the-world/
Maria Shriver’s interview with Mary Oliver, referenced in the documentary, is available here in print form: https://www.oprah.com/entertainment/Maria-Shriver-Interviews-Poet-Mary-Oliver/3
-Susan Gelber Cannon, September 3, 2026
https://www.instagram.com/suecannonreflects/
