We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body

We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet known for her profound observations of the natural world, often explores the complexities of human emotions in her work. In the quote “We shake with joy, we shake with grief. What a time they have, these two housed as they are in the same body,” Oliver captures the essence of the human experience with her characteristic clarity and insight.

Oliver’s poetry is often characterized by its deep connection to the natural world, but she also delves into the depths of human emotion with a keen eye and a compassionate heart. In this quote, she acknowledges the coexistence of joy and grief within the human soul, recognizing that these two seemingly contradictory emotions can exist side by side in the same body.

The idea that joy and grief can shake us to our core is a powerful one, and Oliver’s words resonate with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of life. Joy and grief are two sides of the same coin, and they are often intertwined in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking. In acknowledging this duality, Oliver invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, to allow ourselves to feel deeply and fully, even when it is painful.

Oliver’s poetry often serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, and in this quote, she captures the essence of what it means to be human. We are complex beings, capable of experiencing both profound joy and deep sorrow, often at the same time. It is this capacity for feeling that makes us human, and it is what connects us to each other and to the world around us.