What should be just a meaningless and mundane activity of crossing a body of water, Mary Oliver effectively incites a lively relationship between the speaker and the swamp in “Crossing the Swamp.” The speaker’s journey through the swamp becomes a relatable story to every reader who has experienced struggle. With imagery, structure, and an extended metaphor, Oliver creates this relationship between the speaker and the swamp to transcend off the pages and into the reader’s heart.
In a first read through of the poem, it is immediately understood that Mary Oliver wishes to paint a vivid picture of a swamp. This vivid picture shifts from darkness to light in order to capture the endless struggle to the uplifting success. Beginning painting this
In a first read through of the poem, it is immediately understood that Mary Oliver wishes to paint a vivid picture of a swamp. This vivid picture shifts from darkness to light in order to capture the endless struggle to the uplifting success. Beginning painting this