'Moles' by Mary Oliver

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Under the leaves, under
the first loose
levels of earth
they're there -- quick
as beetles, blind
as bats, shy
as hares but seen
less than these --
traveling
among the pale girders
of appleroot,
rockshelf, nests
of insects and black
pastures of bulbs
peppery and packed full
of the sweetest food:
spring flowers.
Field after field
you can see the traceries
of their long
lonely walks, then
the rains blur
even this frail hint of them --so excitable,
so plush,
so willing to continue
generation after generation
accomplishing nothing
but their brief physical lives
as they live and die,
pushing and shoving
with their stubborn muzzles against
the whole earth,
finding it
delicious.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Moles": A Deep Dive into Mary Oliver's Poetry

Have you ever taken a moment to observe the tiny creatures that scuttle beneath the earth's surface, the ones that are often overlooked in our daily hustle and bustle? Mary Oliver, a beloved American poet, has. In her poem "Moles," Oliver masterfully captures the essence of these creatures and delves into their world, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is often ignored.

Oliver's "Moles" is a poem that is both simple and complex, like the creatures it describes. On the surface, it is a poem about moles, their habits, and their physical appearance. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals much more than that. Through her use of imagery, repetition, and tone, Oliver delves into the themes of isolation, perseverance, and the importance of living in the moment.

Analysis of the Poem

The first stanza of "Moles" sets the scene for the poem, describing the physical appearance and habits of the mole. Oliver's use of imagery is particularly effective here, as she describes the mole as "a small, sleek animal" with "velvet fur" and "tiny, close-set ears." These descriptions paint a vivid picture of the mole, making it easier for readers to visualize the creature in their minds.

In the second stanza, Oliver shifts her focus to the mole's behavior. She describes how the mole tunnels through the soil, "scraping away at the darkness" and "ignoring the sun, the moon, and the stars." This behavior is not just a physical characteristic of the mole, but also a metaphor for the human experience. How often do we become so focused on our goals and aspirations that we ignore the world around us? The mole's tunneling is a reminder that sometimes, we need to slow down and take in our surroundings.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. Here, Oliver describes the mole's sense of isolation, writing, "all alone is the mole, buried deep in the earth, / gnawing at the roots of the world." The use of the phrase "all alone" highlights the mole's isolation, while the phrase "gnawing at the roots of the world" suggests that the mole is doing something important, even if it is unseen by the world above. This stanza is a reminder that even when we feel isolated or alone, we are still making a difference in the world.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem returns to the idea of the mole tunneling. Oliver writes, "the mole tunnels through the dark / like a swimmer through water," suggesting that the mole is not just surviving, but thriving in its environment. This is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can still find joy and purpose.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "Moles" is a poem about perseverance and the importance of living in the moment. The mole represents anyone who is struggling or facing adversity, but who continues to push forward, undeterred. The mole's tunneling is a metaphor for the human experience, a reminder that even when we feel lost or alone, we are still making progress.

Additionally, "Moles" is a poem about the importance of being present in the moment. The mole's tunneling, which ignores the world around it, is a cautionary tale. It is a reminder that sometimes, we need to slow down and take in our surroundings. We need to appreciate the world around us, even if it means taking a break from our goals and aspirations.

Ultimately, "Moles" is a poem about finding purpose and joy in even the darkest of times. The mole's tunneling is a metaphor for the challenges we face in life, but it is also a reminder that we can still find joy and purpose, even when the world seems dark and bleak.

Conclusion

Mary Oliver's "Moles" is a beautiful and powerful poem that delves into the world of one of nature's most overlooked creatures. Through her use of imagery, repetition, and tone, Oliver explores themes of isolation, perseverance, and the importance of living in the moment. It is a poem that reminds us that even when we feel lost or alone, we are still making progress, and that even in the darkest of times, we can still find joy and purpose.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Moles: A Celebration of the Subterranean World

Mary Oliver's Poetry Moles is a collection of poems that celebrates the subterranean world of moles. The poems are a tribute to the beauty and mystery of these creatures that live underground and are rarely seen by humans. Oliver's love for nature and her ability to capture its essence in words is evident in this collection. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in Poetry Moles and how they contribute to the overall message of the collection.

Themes

One of the main themes in Poetry Moles is the idea of hidden beauty. Moles are often seen as pests or nuisances, but Oliver sees them as creatures of great beauty and wonder. She writes, "The mole is a wonder of underground life, / a creature of the dark, / a creature of the light, / a creature of the earth, / a creature of the sky" (Poetry Moles, p. 3). Oliver's poems celebrate the beauty of the mole's subterranean world and encourage readers to see the beauty in the things that are often overlooked or dismissed.

Another theme in Poetry Moles is the idea of interconnectedness. Oliver writes about how moles are connected to the earth and to each other. She writes, "The mole is a creature of the earth, / and the earth is a creature of the mole" (Poetry Moles, p. 3). This theme is also evident in the way Oliver writes about the natural world in general. She sees all living things as part of a larger ecosystem and encourages readers to see themselves as part of that ecosystem as well.

Imagery

Oliver's use of imagery in Poetry Moles is both vivid and evocative. She uses imagery to bring the subterranean world of moles to life and to create a sense of wonder and mystery. For example, in the poem "The Mole," she writes, "The mole is a creature of the dark, / a creature of the light, / a creature of the earth, / a creature of the sky" (Poetry Moles, p. 3). This imagery creates a sense of the mole's dual nature, as a creature that lives underground but is also connected to the larger world above.

Oliver also uses imagery to create a sense of movement and energy in her poems. In the poem "The Mole's Journey," she writes, "The mole moves through the earth / like a fish through water, / like a bird through air" (Poetry Moles, p. 5). This imagery creates a sense of the mole's fluidity and grace as it moves through the earth.

Language

Oliver's use of language in Poetry Moles is both simple and powerful. She uses language to create a sense of wonder and awe in her readers. For example, in the poem "The Mole's Journey," she writes, "The mole moves through the earth / like a fish through water, / like a bird through air" (Poetry Moles, p. 5). This simple language creates a sense of wonder and amazement at the mole's ability to move through the earth with such ease.

Oliver also uses language to create a sense of connection between the reader and the natural world. In the poem "The Mole," she writes, "The mole is a creature of the earth, / and the earth is a creature of the mole" (Poetry Moles, p. 3). This language creates a sense of interconnectedness between the reader and the natural world, encouraging readers to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem.

Conclusion

Mary Oliver's Poetry Moles is a celebration of the subterranean world of moles. The collection explores themes of hidden beauty and interconnectedness, using vivid imagery and simple yet powerful language to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. Oliver's love for nature and her ability to capture its essence in words is evident in this collection. Poetry Moles is a must-read for anyone who loves nature and wants to be inspired by its beauty and mystery.

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