At the root of the word conversation is "a place where one lives or dwells." The word inherently references relationship, the dweller and the place. The place may be outward, or inward, or both when in the good company of another. Conversations with Mary is an exploration and a celebration of the elements of meaningful conversation—attentiveness and devotion. Each of Jamie K. Reaser’s poems has been invoked by and is a response to a word, a phrase, or an image that lives in one of Mary Oliver’s poems. This collection is a conversation in which you are invited to partake. Herein may you find a place to dwell.