Mary Oliver Poem #5: When Death Comes

The poem “When Death Comes” by Mary Oliver is a powerful piece that touches on the meaning of life and how death should be embraced. As someone who recently lost a friend, this poem helped me understand that death should not be feared and that it is merely just another chapter in our existence as humans. 

Mary Oliver starts off by comparing death to a grizzly bear and smallpox. She does so in a way that downplays death's significance and highlights its inevitability. I found it interesting that she repeats the same phrases such as “when death comes” multiple times throughout the poem to reinforce her message.

Later in the poem, she touches on the way people should embrace death. Rather than living life frightened of death’s arrival, Mary suggests we be curious about death. 
 
“I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: 
What is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?” 

I find it ironic that she compares death to a “ cottage of darkness”. In my opinion, this is another example of Mary viewing death optimistically. A cottage is typically referenced as a place of safety and comfort, so comparing it to death reinforces her position of curiosity. 

This poem also ties into much of our previous discussions about Edward Abbey and Henry Thoreau. I believe all three individuals have similar views on how one should view death. They would all agree that rather than spending life worrying about death, one should live every day to the fullest by making the most of their time in nature while alive on planet Earth.

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