I would characterize the level of diction in the poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver as slightly abstract with more of a general level of English. The level of diction makes the poem easier to relate to on a personal level. By describing nature in such a broad sense, the author leaves the reader open to see their own versions of the landscapes. The diction is appropriate to the subject matter. Oliver’s opening stanza states, “You don’t have to be good.” (1) This tells the reader that not everyone is perfect, using simplistic diction. Oliver tells how we all have sorrow with the line, “Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.” (6) The poem uses conventional word order. When the author says, “Meanwhile the world goes on.”