Sheridan's Treks

  “Wild Geese” By Mary Oliver      The poem, "Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver, portrays a beautiful message about self-acceptance and forgiveness. The opening lines, "You do not have to be good” and “You do not have to walk on your knees," immediately set a tone of liberation from the societal expectations of perfection and the burden it puts on us. The imagery of walking on one's knees for a hundred miles through the desert alludes to the hardship and self-punishment we put on ourselves, and this poem advocates for the escape of these pressures. The poem also emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and encourages the reader to pursue their desires and passions. The poem then shifts from the hardships of life into the reminder that no matter what happens, life will continue on. The natural elements continue, uninterrupted by the constraints of the human world it coexists with, "Meanwhile the world goes on." The recurring motif of wild gee...

"The Deadman at Grandview Point" Analysis      Edward Abbey's "The Deadman at Grandview Point" is a poignant and introspective piece that explores themes of mortality, the human connection to nature, and the impact of time on the landscape. Abbey's writing often reflects a deep connection to the natural world, and in this essay, Grandview Point serves as a backdrop. The landscape becomes a character itself, described with vivid imagery. The vastness of the Grand Canyon, with its ancient rock formations and expansive views, serves as a metaphor for the vastness of time and the fleeting nature of human existence.      The title itself, "The Deadman at Grandview Point," immediately introduces the theme of mortality. Abbey reflects on the inevitability of death and the transience of human life against the backdrop of the timeless canyon. The essay prompts readers to confront their own mortality and consider the brevity of their existence in the grand s...

  “I Looked Up” by Mary Oliver      The poem begins with the speaker looking up and encountering a vivid image of a bird among the green branches of pitch pines. The use of intense colors like copper, iron, and bronze creates a striking visual image of this bird, particularly against the dark backdrop of the pine branches. This description not only emphasizes the beauty of the bird but also suggests a transformative or almost mythical quality. "What misery to be afraid of death. What wretchedness, to believe only in what can be proven." Here, Oliver contests the fear of death, and this could be seen as an invitation to embrace mystery, spirituality, and the unknown aspects of existence. Additionally, when the speaker makes a little sound, the bird looks at them and then looks past them, indicating a moment of acknowledgment followed by a broader perspective. In this poem, the encounter with the bird becomes a metaphor for contemplating life, death, and the limitation...

          An Evening Stroll      The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the neighborhood as I ventured out for an evening walk. The air still carried a deafening warmth despite the seasons approaching fall. The pavement beneath my feet is hard and unchanging, counteracting the harmonious dance of footsteps and occasional rustling leaves. The houses lining the street stand like mountainous mansions, especially in comparison to my humble college house. Some displayed luscious lawns adorned with vibrant flowers, while others let their grass become victim to the Texas summer heat. Trees, with their branches reaching out like embracing arms, provided intermittent patches of cool shade, their leaves caught in a gentle breeze. I couldn't help but notice the cracks in the sidewalk and how they seemingly lined up with the glimpses of light peeking through the trees from the afternoon sky. It’s at this point that I am reall...

  “Yes! No!” by Mary Oliver The poem begins with a declaration of the necessity of having opinions, and the poet immediately offers her own, “that the spotted trout lilies seem satisfied just standing a few inches above the earth.” This introduces the theme of finding contentment and fulfillment in simple things. The mention of serenity not being something one simply finds in the world but rather comparing it to a plum tree with white petals suggests that serenity is an active pursuit, something one must consciously strive for. She emphasizes the importance of walking slowly, taking in everything, and expressing opinions with "Yes! No!" This encourages an engaged and deliberate way of living. Additionally, the mention of the swan, despite its grand appearance, simply desiring to live on a nameless pond, and the catbrier being without fault, conveys the idea that simplicity and authenticity are also valuable.      This poem reminded me of the novel Where the Crawdads ...

Luther Standing Bear "Nature" Analysis Luther Standing Bear, a prominent Oglala Lakota Sioux chief and writer, leaves an indelible mark on Native American literature and advocacy. Born in 1868, Standing Bear witnessed the profound changes and challenges faced by his people during a critical period in history. His life story and writings provide a poignant and insightful lens through which we are able to examine the traditional Native American ways of life, opposing those of the European-American counterpart. While Luther Standing Bear is best known for his broader works reflecting on the Sioux people and their struggles, his essay "Nature" offers a more focused exploration of the indigenous perspective on the natural world. In this piece, Standing Bear invites readers to immerse themselves in the Lakota understanding of nature, revealing a profound connection that goes beyond just the physical aspects. "Nature" begins with an acknowledgment of the universa...

  “Hawk” by Mary Oliver The poem, "Hawk" by Mary Oliver, captures a moment in nature with vivid imagery and contemplative reflections, where the hawk serves as a central symbol. The choice of words like "rose," "swung," and "settled" creates a dynamic image of the hawk's movement. As the poet observes the hawk, she reflects on its nature. The hawk's profile is described with "sideburns the color of smoke," a detail that adds a touch of mystery and depth to its appearance. Mary Oliver also acknowledges the hawk's predatory and destructive nature, referring to it as "heaven’s fistful of death and destruction." This introduces a contrast between the beauty of the hawk and its potentially ominous significance. This poem touches on parts of nature that portray themes of life, death, and renewal. These images suggest a broader contemplation of the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of existence, specifically, the d...