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S40E5: Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World | Clip

How Mary Oliver met her life partner, Molly Malone Cook

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Mary Oliver met her life partner, photographer Molly Malone Cook, at Edna St. Millay’s estate, Steepletop, and “fell head over heels in love with her.” The two were together for over 40 years until Cook’s death in 2005.

TRANSCRIPT

(gentle jazz music) - [Narrator] Mary Oliver moved to New York City, but continued visiting Steepletop.

One day when she was visiting, Molly Malone Cook also was there, and Mary described falling head over heels in love with her.

(flames crackling) (gentle music) - If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate.

Give into it.

There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.

We are not wise and not very often kind, and much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left.

- [Narrator] Molly was 10 years Mary's senior.

Just this charismatic, stylish, sophisticated person.

She just appeared in her life.

(dramatic music) - Perhaps this is its way of fighting back that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.

It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.

Anyway, that's often the case.

Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid of its plenty.

Joy is not made to be a crumb.

(gentle music)