Poetry can be one of the most direct ways to explore human experience. Mary Oliver writes haunting poems that have the capacity to remind us, even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, of the sheer wonder and beauty of the world in which we live, as well as its hope and sadness.

Mary Oliver is in here too, along with nine other fine poets from across the ages. The themes here touch on selfhood, being, purpose, living in the moment, the importance of the ordinary in life, and hope. Housden accompanies each poem with insightful interpretation.