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As With Another Eye: Poems of Exactitude, A Poetic Masterpiece Exploring Precision and Perception

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As With Another Eye: Poems Of Exactitude By Mary Oliver As With Another Eye: Poems Of Exactitude

: A Guide to Mary Oliver's Poetic Precision

In the realm of contemporary American poetry, Mary Oliver stands as a towering figure, renowned for her evocative language, keen observation, and profound connection with the natural world. Among her numerous accolades, her 1992 collection, As With Another Eye: Poems of Exactitude, holds a special place, showcasing her unparalleled ability to capture the world with a precision that simultaneously reveals its beauty and its enigmatic complexity.

As With Another Eye: Poems of exactitude

by Richard Subber

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages
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Precision as a Poetic Principle: Oliver's Artistic Vision

At the heart of Oliver's poetic credo lies the notion of exactitude, a meticulous attention to detail that extends beyond mere description to encompass a deeper understanding of the essence of things. In her to As With Another Eye, she articulates this principle with characteristic clarity: "Precision is the language of truth... When one writes with exactitude, one is aiming for the heart of something."

This pursuit of precision manifests itself in various aspects of Oliver's poetry, from her choice of language to the structure of her verses. Each word, each image, and each line is carefully selected to convey a specific meaning, creating a tapestry of poetic precision that invites readers into a world of heightened perception.

The Natural World as a Canvas for Precision: Exploring the Visible and the Unseen

A recurring theme throughout As With Another Eye is Oliver's fascination with the natural world, which serves as a primary source of inspiration for her precise observations. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, she captures the intricate beauty of plants, animals, and landscapes, revealing both their physical presence and their hidden depths.

In the poem "The Summer Day," Oliver poses a series of rhetorical questions that encapsulate her approach to nature observation: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Through her precise descriptions of the natural world, she urges us to pay attention to the wonders that surround us, to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things, and to live our lives with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude.

Precision and Perception: Unveiling the Layers of Reality

Beyond its focus on the natural world, As With Another Eye also explores the relationship between precision and perception, highlighting how our own experiences and perspectives shape our understanding of reality. In the poem "Proof," Oliver writes: "There is no proof that we are here./Only the evidence of eyes." This line underscores the subjective nature of perception, suggesting that our understanding of the world is always filtered through our individual lenses.

Through her precise language, Oliver challenges us to question our assumptions, to look beyond the surface of things, and to embrace the ambiguity and mystery that often lie beneath. By ng so, she opens up new possibilities for seeing and experiencing the world, ultimately expanding our capacity for wonder and understanding.

The Transformative Power of Precision: Poetry as a Path to Insight

As With Another Eye not only captures the world with precision but also uses that precision to transform the reader's perception. Through her precise observations and evocative language, Oliver invites us to see the world anew, to appreciate its beauty and complexity, and to connect with the natural world and with ourselves on a deeper level.

In the poem "One Hour," Oliver writes: "This one hour will lead to others./It will lead to a day,/it will lead to a life." This line serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of poetry itself, suggesting that the precision of language can lead to a deeper understanding of the world and of ourselves, ultimately shaping the trajectory of our lives.

: A Legacy of Poetic Precision, Enduring Impact

As With Another Eye: Poems of Exactitude stands as a testament to Mary Oliver's remarkable talent and her unwavering commitment to precision as a poetic principle. Through her keen observation, evocative language, and profound connection with the natural world, she invites readers to see the world with a fresh perspective, to embrace its beauty and mystery, and to live their lives with a heightened sense of awareness and purpose.

The poems in this collection continue to resonate with readers today, inspiring them to look beyond the surface of things, to question their assumptions, and to explore the world with a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. As With Another Eye is a true masterpiece, a testament to the transformative power of poetry and a lasting legacy of Mary Oliver's exceptional artistry.

As With Another Eye: Poems of exactitude

by Richard Subber

4.3 out of 5