Mary Oliver has been lovingly called “the poet laureate of Unitarian Universalism.”Through keen observation of the natural world, Oliver finds delight, sorrow, mystery and paradox.Her poems are deceptively simple, containing rich layers of meaning that are illuminated in unexpected ways when we discuss them with like-minded readers.In this six-session class, we will find a safe container for our reflections on the spiritual and personal meanings of Oliver’s poems, using her themes as pathways into a spiritual practice of close observation of nature.There will be optional weekly writing exercises for those who wish to try their hand at poetry.The class will be based on Oliver’s “New and Selected Poems, Volume 2,” which is widely available.