I read this on a flight from Seattle to New York, and it was perfect - time to read in one sitting, reread and savor. I had read it before, in pieces, and it did not have that wondrous effect of insight that a couple of hours of deep listening did.
I am inspired to live this 60th year of mine, as she did hers, on the work of Glory. "I have lit candles. (Though I am not ready, I am willing.) I have placed one word next to another to build something full of praise." ( )

This is a book length poem that seem to be quite autobiographical. It is beautiful and lyrical and personal. I sensed that Oliver is trying to assess her life and work in this poem and also examine her “faith”.

The second “chapter” is called “Work” and opens with these lines:

I am a woman sixty years old and of no special courage.
Everyday—a little conversation with God, or his envoy
the tall pine, or the grass-swimming cricket.
Everyday—I study the difference between water and stone.
Everyday—I stare at the world; I push the grass aside
and stare at the world.

The last section of the last chapter opens with these lines:

Think of me
when you see the evening star.
Think of me when you see the wren
the flowing root of the creek beneath him,
dark silver and cold

Remember me I am the one who told you
he sings for happiness.
I am the one who told you
that the grass is also alive, and listening. ( )