Meaning: Mary Oliver, a renowned poet known for her profound observations of the natural world and her ability to convey deep emotions through her poetry, once said, "Almost anything is too much. I am trying in my poems to have the reader be the experiencer. I do not want to be there. It is not even a walk we take together." This quote encapsulates Oliver's approach to poetry and her desire for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the experience she presents, without the intrusion of the poet's presence.

In these few sentences, Oliver expresses her intention to create a space within her poetry for the reader to inhabit and explore. She emphasizes the reader's role as the experiencer, suggesting that her poems are not meant to be a vehicle for her own presence or ego, but rather a conduit for the reader to connect with the emotions, imagery, and experiences she evokes.

By stating that "almost anything is too much," Oliver seems to acknowledge the potential for excess or intrusion within poetry. She may be implying that an overbearing presence or excessive authorial intervention can detract from the reader's ability to fully engage with the poem. Instead, she strives to create a sense of openness and spaciousness within her work, allowing the reader to enter the poem and become the primary participant in the experience it offers.

The idea that "it is not even a walk we take together" further underscores Oliver's desire to remove herself, as the poet, from the forefront of the reader's experience. Rather than leading the reader through the poem or imposing her own interpretation, she seeks to step back and allow the reader to forge their own path within the poetic landscape she has crafted. This approach reflects a deep respect for the reader's autonomy and an acknowledgment of the unique, personal connections that readers form with poetry.

In essence, Mary Oliver's quote encapsulates her commitment to creating a space within her poetry that prioritizes the reader's experience and agency. Her words reflect a humility and self-effacement that allows the reader to engage directly with the essence of her poetry, unencumbered by the presence of the poet herself. This approach speaks to the universal and timeless nature of Oliver's poetry, inviting readers to find their own meaning and resonance within the natural imagery, emotional depth, and vivid language that are hallmarks of her work.

Overall, Mary Oliver's quote serves as a testament to her belief in the transformative power of poetry and the profound connection that can be forged between the reader and the poetic experience. It embodies her commitment to creating a space for the reader to immerse themselves fully in the world she creates, free from the constraints of the poet's ego or authorial intrusion. In doing so, Oliver's poetry invites readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery, reflection, and emotional resonance, guided by the beauty and wisdom of her words.