Birds (Poem by Frank Oliver Call)

Birds

By Frank Oliver Call

I lie beneath a dark green pine

Where sunbeams scarcely ever shine,

And if I'm still as still can be

Shy forest birds come down to me.

Brown thrushes run along the ground,

Goldfinches flit without a sound,

And humming-birds with ruby throats

Alight to smooth their emerald coats.

And when some day alone I lie

Beneath the ever-changing sky,

I'm glad to know the birds will come

To welcome me to my new home.

For I will lie so still that they

Will linger by me all the day,

And lulled at evening by their song

I shall not find the darkness long.

Poem Analysis:

Frank Oliver Call's "Birds" is a tranquil and reflective poem that celebrates the harmony between nature and the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and gentle language, Call invites readers into a serene woodland scene where birds and humans coexist in peaceful companionship.

Nature's Sanctuary: The poem begins with the speaker lying beneath a dark green pine, creating an image of seclusion and tranquility. The pine tree symbolizes stability and endurance, providing a sheltered haven for the speaker to connect with nature. This natural setting serves as a sanctuary where the speaker finds solace and peace.

Gentle Observations: As the speaker remains still, shy forest birds emerge from the surrounding foliage and timidly approach. Call's gentle observations highlight the delicate balance between human presence and wildlife. The mention of brown thrushes, goldfinches, and hummingbirds creates a vibrant tapestry of birdlife, each species adding its own unique charm to the scene.

Mutual Respect: There is a sense of mutual respect and understanding between the speaker and the birds. The birds, sensing the speaker's stillness and tranquility, feel comfortable enough to come close. This mutual respect underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and emphasizes the importance of coexisting harmoniously with nature.

Symbolism of Birds: Birds serve as symbols of freedom, grace, and resilience throughout the poem. Their presence symbolizes the beauty and vitality of the natural world, offering the speaker a sense of companionship and belonging. The birds' fluttering movements and melodic songs evoke a sense of wonder and awe, enriching the speaker's experience of solitude.

Acceptance of Mortality: In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of mortality and the cycle of life. The speaker anticipates lying alone beneath the ever-changing sky in death but finds comfort in the thought that the birds will continue to visit and offer solace. This acceptance of mortality is tempered by the belief that the speaker's spirit will live on, embraced by the beauty of nature and serenaded by the songs of birds.

Themes

1. Harmony with Nature: The poem celebrates the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, highlighting the restorative power of nature in bringing peace and solace.
2. Transience and Continuity: Through the imagery of birds and the cycle of life, the poem explores themes of transience and continuity, emphasizing the enduring presence of nature amid the passage of time.
3. Spiritual Connection: The speaker's communion with nature reflects a deep spiritual connection and a sense of reverence for the natural world, underscoring the profound impact of nature on the human soul.

"Birds" by Frank Oliver Call is a tender exploration of the human spirit's connection to the natural world. Through evocative imagery and gentle observations, Call invites readers to contemplate the beauty, tranquility, and eternal rhythms of nature, finding solace and companionship in the presence of birds. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the healing power of nature and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world.