Motherhood is a beautiful mess equal parts chaotic kitchen disasters, endless “why?” questions, and the kind of love that makes your heart feel like it might burst.
Mary Oliver, the poet who turned nature into magic, had a way of capturing life’s quiet wonders and guess what? Her words fit moms perfectly.
From spilled coffee to late-night hugs, her poems remind us that the “imperfect” moments are the ones we’ll cherish most.
So grab a tissue (and maybe some chocolate), because these Mary Oliver-inspired verses are here to make you laugh, cry, and call your mom.
Best Mary Oliver Poems (for Moms Who Embrace the Chaos)
Mary Oliver’s best work isn’t just about trees and rivers—it’s about finding grace in the mess. Here are five poems that capture the joy of being a mom who lets the dishes pile up to play catch with her kid.
- “Morning Brew”
She spills coffee on the counter
Calls it “art” while scrubbing harder
Laughs when the cat knocks over tea
Says “this is how we make memories.” - “Laundry Mountain”
The hamper’s overflowing, clothes everywhere
She tosses socks like confetti in the air
Grins at the mess, says “let’s dance!”
“Clean later—now it’s playtime!” - “Messy Artist”
Finger paint on the walls, glitter in her hair
She kisses my forehead, doesn’t care
“Creativity is messy,” she says with a wink
“And so am I—love wins every time.” - “Late-Night Snacks”
We sneak cookies from the jar
Laugh when Dad hears us from afar
She shares her last bite, says “shh—our secret”
“Moms always have extra love to spare.” - “Unmade Bed”
The sheets are tangled, pillows askew
She climbs in, pulls me close to you
“Beds are for sleeping—but sometimes?”
“They’re for cuddles. Always.”
Famous Mary Oliver Poems (Reimagined for Mom Life)
Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” is a classic, but moms know the real wild geese are the ones who leave dirty socks on the floor. Here are five famous-ish poems that feel like a hug from your mom.
- “Wild Geese (Mom Edition)”
You don’t have to be perfect
You don’t have to be thin
Just come as you are
She’ll wrap you in her wings again. - “The Journey” (Simplified for Kids)
Sometimes the road is bumpy
Sometimes you trip and fall
But she’s there with a bandage
And a story to make you tall. - “Evidence” (About Mom’s Love)
She keeps every drawing you made
Every note, every card
Says “these are my treasures”
Even when they’re torn or marred. - “Sleeping in the Forest” (For Nap Time)
The house is quiet, kids are napping
She sits in the sun, eyes closed
Smiles when a bird sings outside
“This is my peace—my little dose.” - “When Death Comes” (For Lost Toys)
The teddy bear’s gone from the bed
She searches high and low
Finds it under the couch, grinning
“See? It was just playing hide-and-go.”
Mary Oliver Poems About Change (Because Kids Grow Up—But Moms Don’t Really)
Change is hard, but moms have a way of turning “goodbye” into “see you soon.” These poems celebrate the bittersweet joy of watching your kid spread their wings.
- “Growing Up”
First steps turn to running fast
Then driving off, leaving dust
She waves with a grin, not a tear
“Now you’ll bring home stories, dear.” - “Empty Nest Syndrome” (Joke Version)
The house is quiet, no more noise
She cleans the fridge, folds the toys
Grins when she finds your old lunchbox
“I miss you—but hey, less laundry!” - “New Chapter”
You move away, start a new life
She sends care packages, cuts the strife
Says “I’m proud of you—always will be”
“Just remember: home is where I’ll be.” - “Time Flies”
Yesterday you were in diapers
Today you’re grown, chasing dreams
She holds your hand, says “look how far”
“But you’ll always be my shining star.” - “Change Is Good”
You quit your job, chase a passion
She supports you, no hesitation
Says “do what makes you happy”
“Even if it means less visits—sorry!”
Mary Oliver Poems About Death (Because Grief Is Hard—But Moms Make It Easier)
Losing someone hurts, but moms have a way of keeping their memory alive. These poems honor the people we’ve lost—with a touch of hope.
- “Lost Dog”
The leash hangs by the door
No more wagging tail
But she smiles when she sees a squirrel
“He’d want us to laugh, not wail.” - “Grandma’s Chair”
The rocking chair creaks empty now
But she sits there, holding air
Smiles when she smells cookies baking
“She’s here—just in a different way.” - “Memories”
He’s gone, but not forgotten
She tells stories, tears not rotten
Says “he’s in the wind, in the rain”
“And in every smile, every pain.” - “Goodbye”
She cries when she says goodbye
But then she wipes her eyes
Says “he’s free now—no more pain”
“And I’ll see him again, someday soon.” - “Legacy”
He taught her to bake, to laugh, to live
She passes it on, gives and gives
Says “his spirit lives in me”
“And in every kindness, you’ll see.”
Mary Oliver Poems About Dogs (Because Moms and Dogs Are Basically the Same)
Mary Oliver loved dogs—and so do moms. These poems celebrate the furry friends who steal our hearts (and our snacks).
- “Pup Love”
Her dog chews shoes, barks at mail
She calls him “my little tornado”
Kisses his wet nose, says “you’re mine”
Even when he steals her sandwich. - “Dog Walks”
They walk the park, she stops to smell
The grass, the flowers, the doggy trail
Says “dogs teach us to slow down”
“Unlike you—always in a rush!” - “Bed Thief”
The dog takes half the bed
She sleeps on the edge, head tilted
Grins and says “he’s my baby too”
“Even if he snores louder than you!” - “Fetch”
They play fetch, she throws the ball
He runs, jumps, never falls
She laughs and says “good boy!”
“You’re better than any toy!” - “Dog Kisses”
He licks her face, she giggles
Says “gross—but I love it”
Kisses his forehead, says “you’re my buddy”
“Even if you shed all over my sweater!”
Mary Oliver Poems About Grief (Because Sometimes We Need to Cry—But Moms Help Us Smile Again)
Grief is heavy, but moms have a way of lightening the load. These poems acknowledge the pain—but remind us that joy will return.
- “Sad Days”
She cries when you’re sad
Holds you tight, doesn’t ask why
Says “it’s okay to feel”
“I’ll be here until you smile.” - “Rainy Days”
The sky is gray, you’re feeling blue
She makes hot cocoa, adds marshmallows too
Says “rain washes away the sadness”
“Soon the sun will shine—promise.” - “Broken Heart”
You’re heartbroken, can’t sleep
She stays up with you, doesn’t creep
Says “love hurts—but it’s worth it”
“And I’ll help you heal, bit by bit.” - “Grief Is Heavy”
Grief weighs you down, makes you tired
She carries it with you, undesired
Says “I’ll hold it for a while”
“Until you’re ready to smile.” - “Hope”
You think you’ll never be happy again
She reminds you of the good times, then
Says “grief is temporary—joy is forever”
“And I’ll be here to help you recover.”
Mary Oliver Poems About Life (Because Moms Know How to Live It)
Life is messy, but moms have a way of making it beautiful. These poems celebrate the small joys that make life worth living.
- “Simple Joys”
Sunshine on the porch swing
A cup of tea, quiet talk
She laughs at my bad jokes
Says “this is what life’s all about.” - “Everyday Magic”
A rainbow after rain
A bird singing in the tree
She points and says “see?”
“Magic is everywhere—if you look.” - “Living in the Moment”
We sit on the grass, watch clouds float
She says “don’t worry about tomorrow”
“Enjoy today—this is your life”
“And I’ll be here to share it with you.” - “Gratitude”
She thanks God for the little things
A warm meal, a friend who rings
Says “gratitude changes everything”
“Try it—you’ll see.” - “Life Is Short”
She says “life is short—live it well”
“Laugh often, love deeply, tell”
“Your loved ones how much you care”
“Because you never know when they’ll be gone.”
Mary Oliver Poems About Loss (Because Losing Things Hurts—But Moms Find Ways to Cope)
Losing something important is tough, but moms have a way of turning loss into learning. These poems celebrate the lessons we gain from losing.
- “Missing Teddy”
The teddy bear’s gone from the bed
She searches high and low
Finds it under the couch, grinning
“See? It was just playing hide-and-go.” - “Lost Keys”
You lose your keys, panic sets in
She helps you search, says “don’t fret”
Finds them in the fridge, says “silly you”
“Next time, put them in a safe place!” - “Lost Necklace”
Your favorite necklace is gone
She helps you look, says “don’t mourn”
Finds it in the laundry basket, says “there it is!”
“Sometimes things end up where you least expect.” - “Lost Job”
You lose your job, feel defeated
She hugs you, says “don’t be cheated”
Says “this is a chance to try something new”
“I believe in you—always do.” - “Lost Dream”
You give up on your dream, feel sad
She reminds you of the good times you had
Says “dreams change—don’t be afraid”
“Try again—this time, I’ll be your cheerleader.”
Mary Oliver Poems About Love (Because Moms Have the Purest Love)
Mom’s love is unconditional—no strings attached. These poems celebrate the love that never fades.
- “Unconditional Love”
She loves me when I’m grumpy
When I forget to call
When I burn dinner
Still says “it’s the thought that counts.” - “Love Is Patient”
She waits for me when I’m late
Listens when I ramble on
Says “I’m here—take your time”
“Love doesn’t rush, it just is.” - “Love Is Kind”
She brings me soup when I’m sick
Rubs my back when I’m hurt
Says “feel better soon”
“Love is kind—always.” - “Love Is Forever”
She holds my hand when I’m scared
Kisses my forehead when I’m tired
Says “I’ll love you forever”
“No matter what happens.” - “Love Is Mom”
Love is her smile, her laugh, her voice
The way she cares, without choice
The way she loves me, no matter what
Love is mom—simple, pure, uncut.
Mary Oliver Poems About Nature (Because Moms and Nature Are Both Beautiful and Wild)
Mary Oliver loved nature—and so do moms. These poems celebrate the beauty of the natural world—and how moms connect us to it.
- “Garden Mom”
She tends flowers, talks to birds
Says “they’re family too”
Picks dandelions for bouquets
“Beauty is everywhere—if you look.” - “Beach Day”
We go to the beach, build sandcastles
She lies in the sun, smiles wide
Says “the ocean is healing”
“Just like my hugs.” - “Mountain Hike”
We hike up a mountain, reach the top
She gasps, says “look at that view!”
Says “nature teaches us to appreciate”
“The little things—like you.” - “Rainy Day”
It rains outside, we stay in
She reads a book, I sip tea
Says “rain is nature’s lullaby”
“It makes everything grow.” - “Star Gazing”
We lie on the grass, look at stars
She points to the Big Dipper
Says “nature is magical”
“Just like you.”
Mary Oliver Poems for Weddings (Because Moms Want You to Be Happy—Always)
Weddings are special, but moms have a way of keeping them real. These poems offer wisdom for the bride-to-be.
- “Wedding Wisdom”
Don’t worry about the cake
Or the dress that’s not perfect
Hold hands, laugh loud
That’s the real wedding gift. - “Marriage Advice”
Say “I love you” every day
Listen when they speak
Forgive quickly, love deeply
That’s the key to staying together. - “Bride’s Nerves”
You’re nervous, can’t breathe
She holds your hand, says “slow down”
Says “marriage is about love—not perfection”
“You got this—trust me.” - “Vow Renewal”
Vows are important, but so is fun
Laugh at each other’s jokes
Say “I love you” even when you’re mad
That’s how you stay married. - “Wedding Day Joy”
The day is perfect, you’re happy
She cries, says “I’m so proud”
Says “remember—marriage is a journey”
“Enjoy every step.”
Mary Oliver Poems on Love and Marriage (Because Moms Know What It Takes to Stay Together)
Marriage is hard work, but moms have a way of making it look easy. These poems celebrate the ups and downs of love.
- “Parental Pact”
They fight over the remote
Then share ice cream cones
Kiss goodnight, whisper “I love you”
“That’s how we stay together.” - “Marriage Is Work”
Marriage is not always roses
Sometimes it’s chores, bills, fights
But they stand by each other
“Because love is worth fighting for.” - “Happy Anniversary”
They celebrate their anniversary
Go out to dinner, laugh
Say “we’ve been married for years”
“But we still love each other.” - “Marriage Is Love”
Marriage is love—simple, true
Holding hands, sharing a shoe
Laughing at each other’s quirks
“That’s what makes it work.” - “Forever Love”
They’ve been together for decades
Still hold hands, kiss goodnight
Say “we’re still in love”
“Because marriage is a journey—we’re still traveling.”
Short Mary Oliver Poems (Because Sometimes Less Is More)
Short poems pack a punch—just like moms. These quick verses capture the essence of mom life in a few lines.
- “Quick Quips”
“Clean your room!” “Later!”
“Okay, but first…”
She sighs, then smiles
“You’re my favorite mess.” - “Mom’s Mantra”
“Take it one day at a time”
“Laugh often, love deeply”
“Be kind to yourself”
“That’s my advice—take it or leave it.” - “Tiny Moments”
A hug, a smile, a joke
These are the moments that matter most
She says “cherish them”
“Because they’re what life’s all about.” - “Mom’s Love”
Love is her touch, her voice, her gaze
The way she cares, in so many ways
The way she loves me, no matter what
Love is mom—simple, pure, uncut. - “Thank You”
Thank you for being my mom
For loving me, no matter what
For teaching me to be kind
For being my rock—always.
Conclusion: Celebrate Your Mom with Poetry (and Chocolate)
Mary Oliver once said, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” For moms, the answer is simple: love fiercely, laugh loudly, and turn messes into memories. These poems aren’t just words they’re a reminder that your mom’s imperfections are her superpowers.
So print one out, text it to her, or read it aloud over coffee. Because nothing says “I love you” like a poem that makes her smile—especially when it’s about the time she let you eat ice cream for breakfast. Happy Mother’s Day (or any day) to the moms who make life worth living—one imperfect moment at a time.
