At Blackwater Pond: Mary Oliver reads Mary Oliver Audio CD – Unabridged, April 1, 2006

As an annual visitor to Provincetown, where Mary Oliver resides, I first discovered her poetry in a local bookstore. While standing in it's cramped quarters, I was riveted by her matter of fact, yet stirring observations of life and nature. As listened, I imagine hers as the life I would love to live. I walk and observe through her eyes and ears and my life is much richer for having done so. Once back into my routine of commuting to work in New York City, I have recorded Mary's first CD onto my iPod. I can only attempt to express my joy-- at stepping upon the concrete sidewalks amidst crowds of busy people and rows of cars, trucks and taxis-- to hear Mary's quiet voice describing a Kingfisher. When I travel, when I'm weary and put-upon, when I'm just so pummelled by the obligations of work and routine, I select "At Blackwater Pond" and immediately calm and delight my soul.I cannot thank Mary Oliver enough.

Mary Oliver is certainly one of our finest contemporary poets. Her terse and sparse use of language in effect widens our horizons as we readers are able to expand our vision through her creative work. This CD has ample examples of her poetry, from several different volumes, and the listener can accompany the readings with personal copies of the published works. Oliver's ability to use the natural settings of her New England environment to state something profound about the human condition is one of her gifts. To see in the ordinary what is unforgettable, is another. Her language is visual, so that we see what she describes in new ways. This collection of poems, read by the poet, is a classic and one to be treasured and listened to over and over.

Magical to listen to the voice of Mary Oliver reading her wonderful, soulful poetry. I highly recommend this incredible CD.

I love to read Mary Oliver's work, discovering one poem at a time and having my perspective altered by her masterful description of familiar, yet mysterious creatures and places. When this first recording became available, I had no idea how melodic, reverent, and strong Mary Oliver's voice would be as she reads her own words. This CD is becoming a favorite gift to give. Everyone who has received it has loved her imagery and has been fed by it.

Poems are, as my English teacher once told me, meant to be read aloud. I never feel as if I know a poem, as if it has been allowed to reach the deepest parts of my soul, until I have either read it out loud myself or heard it read. Mary Oliver is my favorite modern poet, bar none. I was so thrilled to find this CD (apart from the fact that I could not find anything anywhere to tell me what poems were on it before I bought it).I love it. To be honest, Ms. Oliver's voice took, for me, a little getting used to. There is nothing wrong with it, just not quite what I was expecting. Once I adjusted to it, I found myself enjoying her readings very much. What I find a little irritating (hence the four instead of five star rating) is the fair audio quality. Occasionally, you can hear pages turning and little throat sounds that, while human, ought not to be on a CD of this day and age. Still, I would suggest getting this with all my heart; hearing the poems, for me, added another dimenison to Ms. Oliver's incredible work. Since I found it fustrating that I couldn't find a list of tracks, I assume others will. So, here are the poems you will find on this CD:Some HeronsWild GeeseBeansThe SwanBoneHermit CrabGoldenrodI Looked UpThe Buddha's Last InstructionThe KingfisherBearSome Things, Say the Wise OnesHer GraveMindfulLonely, White FieldsWhere Does the Temple BeginGoldfinchesSong of the BuildersPeoniesFive A.M. in the PinewoodsThe Summer DayThe SunThe Snow CricketWhelksHumWhite FlowersRiceLittle Owl Who Lives in the OrchardMaybeWhen Death ComesLingering in HappinessThe PondsRoses, Late SummerThe NotebookDaisiesThe LilyKookaburrasMarengoWhite Owl Flies Into and Out of the FieldAt Blackwater Pond

What a marvel to hear her own voice reading her work. I wish she would do more

Mary Oliver is a Pulitzer Prize winning poet. Non-dogmatic spirituality quietly grabs you through her Zen awareness of the here and now. In and of themselves, her poems are passionate. Having her read them aloud is an extra bonus. This is a great collection to listen to when stuck in a traffic jam or when settling down at night for a peaceful sleep. Mary Oliver reading Mary Oliver. It's like pie a la mode!

Hearing how Mary Oliver read her poetry gave me 'lessons' in how to approach and make pointed pausesthat give the poetry breathing time to resonate with the thought.Which can make a huge difference in the meaning.Poetry grows with familiarity and understanding.

These poems are so moving. My partner also enjoyed these poems on her last days of life.Thanks Mary it put a smile on her face. Her favorite was "Summer Day"

A beautifully bound cd of a beautiful, flawless recording of Mary's work.

I love this CD from Mary Oliver - she has a very soothing and rich voice. She has a way of sharing her wisdom that sinks into your entire being. A cup of good tea and looking out the window seeing the rain fall, and hearing this is a wonderful gift to yourself.