Far off in the red mangroves an alligator has heaved himself onto a hummock of grass and lies there, studying his poems

Far off in the red mangroves an alligator has heaved himself onto a hummock of grass and lies there, studying his poems

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and naturalist, had a deep connection to the natural world and often found inspiration in the beauty and wonder of the creatures that inhabit it. In her poem "Alligator Poem," Oliver captures the essence of the alligator as a symbol of strength, patience, and resilience.

The line "Far off in the red mangroves an alligator has heaved himself onto a hummock of grass and lies there, studying his poems" evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and introspection. The image of the alligator resting on a bed of grass, surrounded by the vibrant red mangroves, suggests a moment of stillness and reflection in the midst of the bustling natural world.

Oliver's choice of words, such as "heaved" and "studying his poems," imbues the alligator with a sense of purpose and intentionality. The act of studying his poems implies a deep connection to the natural world and a desire to understand and appreciate its beauty and complexity.