"Dream Work" is a collection of 45 poems that explores the theme of self-awareness and the difficult labors of the human spirit. Mary Oliver, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, offers a diverse and radiant perception of the world, delving into the triumphs and failures of human relationships. The poems also touch on historical events, such as the Holocaust, and offer a glimpse into the present, such as an injured boy begging in the streets of Indonesia. The poems are merged with the world, revealing the author's willingness to find joy even in difficult situations.