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Analysis of the Poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

The poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver expresses what people should do so that they

can live good lives. It encourages readers not to worry but instead stay true to nature and its

beauty. The poem comprises one stanza of eighteen lines hence a simplistic structure. The

poem is also written in free verse and there is repeated use of assonance and consonance

within multiple lines of the verse. Lines one and two begin with the poet speaking directly to the

reader and thus they offer the first guide on how people should live. Oliver advises that there is

no need to try to be morally good or repent their sins through punishment and penance. In the

following lines three to five, the poet informs the reader on the value of turning to nature and

following their hearts. The poet argues that while people are human, they are also animals that

need to survive and thrive like other animals in nature. Lines six to nine begin a different

conversation with the reader since the poet seeks to commiserate with the readers on their most

unfortunate experiences. These lines are promoting larger connectivity between human beings

and nature. The rest of the lines continue to conjure scenes in nature and reassure readers of

the value of nature.

Throughout the poem, Oliver uses the image of a flock of wild geese to allude to the

animal nature of human beings. Since the poem largely focuses on nature, there are other

visual images such as deep trees, mountains, and rivers all of which emphasize the connectivity

between nature and happiness. The poet also makes use of several poetic techniques such as

repetition and alliteration. For instance, the first two lines of the poem repeat the word "you" to

create an intimate and urgent air about the poem. The phrase “you do not have to” is also used

to ensure that the reader is insistent. There is also the repetition of the word "meanwhile" at the

beginning of lines seven, eight, and twelve. The poet has also used alliteration, a pattern of

sound in which words appear close together and begin with the same letter. For instance, in

lines eleven and twelve and line thirteen, the poet has used the words "mountains" and

“meanwhile” and “heading home” respectively.

The movements and poetic devices that are evidenced in the poem work together to

celebrate nature’s grandeur and to remind readers that despite the stresses of life, they are part

of something larger and meaningful. The visual images seek to remind readers of the value of

treating their bodies like the vulnerable animals they are so that they can learn to love

themselves. The use of repetition and alliteration is to emphasize certain messages that the

poet sought to convey. Repetition also adds rhythm to the poem. The poetic devices also bring

out some of the most important themes that the poet wanted to relay such as the wonder of

nature, human vulnerability, and suffering.

Work Cited

Oliver, Mary. "Wild geese."