Oliver calls this a "silly, comforting" poem, but it is not silly in the least. Instead, it is the poet's little instruction book on how to move beyond both grief over the loss of one's parents as well as disappointment over unmet childhood needs. Oliver wrote this poem for uncle-less people like me who never had a place at the table, but who nonetheless know that life is can have meaning and provide joy for each of us. The dark and nourishing bread contained in this poem is worth eating, down to the last crumb.
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