Listening
By Gilbert Parker
I have lain beneath the pine trees just to hear the thrush's calling,
I have waited for the throstle where the harvest fields were brown,
I have caught the lark's sweet trilling from the depths of cloud-land falling
And the piping of the linnet through the willow branches blown.
But you have some singing graces, you who sing because you love it,
That are higher than the throstle, or the linnet, or the lark;
And, however far my soul may reach, your song is far above it;
And I falter while I follow as a child does in the dark.
In elder days, when all the world was silent save the beating
Of the tempest-gathered ocean 'gainst the grey volcanic walls,
When the light had met the darkness and the mountains sent their greeting
To each other in sharp flashes as the vivid lightning falls,
Then the high gods said, "In token that we love the earth we fashioned,
We will set the white stars singing, and teach man the art of song":
And there rose up from the valleys sounds of love and life impassioned,
Till men cried, with arms uplifted, "Now from henceforth we are strong!"
Adown the ages there have come the sounds of that first singing,
Lifting up the weary-hearted in the fever of the time;
And I, who wait and wander far, felt all my soul upspringing,
To but touch those ancient forces and the energies sublime,
When I heard you who had heard it — that first song — perhaps in dreaming,
Till it filled you with fine fervour and the hopes of its refrain;
And I knew that God was gracious and had led me in the gleaming
Of a song-shine that is holy and that quiets all my pain.
Though the birds sing in the meadows and fill all the air with sweetness,
They sing only in the present, and they sing because they must;
They are wanton in their pureness, and in all their fine completeness,
They trill out their lives forgotten to the silence of the dust.
But if you should pass to-morrow where your songs could never reach us,
There would still be throbbing through us all the music of your voice;
And your spirit would speak through the chords, as though it would beseech us
To remember that the noblest ends have ever noblest choice.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker’s poem "Listening" explores the themes of nature, music, and the transcendental power of human emotion and creativity. Through rich imagery and a contemplative tone, Parker contrasts the songs of nature with the deeper, more profound singing of the human soul. The poem unfolds in a manner that encourages reflection on the significance of music, both in the natural world and in human experience.
Structure and Form
The poem consists of four stanzas with varying lengths, showcasing a mix of rhythmic qualities that enhance its lyrical nature. The flow of the poem mirrors the musical themes it discusses, allowing readers to feel the rise and fall of the words as they engage with the imagery. The use of enjambment and caesuras creates a conversational quality, inviting readers to pause and reflect on each line’s significance.
Nature and Its Songs
In the opening lines, Parker establishes a deep appreciation for the natural world. He mentions various birds—the thrush, throstle, lark, and linnet—highlighting their songs as sources of joy and beauty. The imagery of “pine trees,” “harvest fields,” and “willow branches” paints a serene picture of nature, emphasizing the connection between the speaker and the environment. The act of “waiting” for these birds to sing signifies a sense of longing and anticipation, suggesting that the speaker finds solace in nature's music.
However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is not content to merely listen to nature. He acknowledges that while the songs of birds are sweet, they are also limited—they are “wanton in their pureness” and sing “because they must.” This contrasts sharply with the deeper, more resonant songs of humanity, which arise from choice and emotional depth.
The Divine and the Human Experience
In the second stanza, Parker introduces a mythological element, suggesting that the “high gods” created the stars to sing as a sign of their love for the earth. This divine act connects the celestial to the earthly, establishing music as a fundamental aspect of existence. The phrase “sounds of love and life impassioned” suggests that music embodies the core of human experience, a means of expressing emotions and connecting with one another.
Parker also highlights the historical aspect of music in human society, noting how songs have uplifted weary hearts throughout the ages. This suggests that music has the power to transcend time, providing comfort and strength to those who listen. The speaker yearns to touch these “ancient forces” and experience the sublime energies that music evokes.
The Unique Power of the Human Song
As the poem unfolds, the speaker turns to the individual whose singing surpasses the beauty of nature. This individual embodies the essence of creativity and emotional depth, suggesting that human song is an expression of profound love and understanding. The line “your song is far above it” signifies a recognition of the deeper layers of meaning in human music compared to the instinctual songs of birds.
The reference to the speaker “following as a child does in the dark” underscores the vulnerability and uncertainty that accompany the pursuit of artistic understanding. This moment of humility reflects a yearning to connect with something greater, a desire to understand the divine purpose behind creation.
Legacy and Memory
In the final stanzas, Parker reflects on the lasting impact of the individual’s song. He emphasizes that even if the singer were to pass away, their music would continue to resonate within those who have listened. The idea that “the music of your voice” will throb through people’s souls speaks to the enduring legacy of art and creativity. The speaker acknowledges that such music reminds us of our noblest aspirations and the choices that lead to meaningful existence.
The concluding lines encapsulate the poem's overarching message: while the songs of nature are transient, the songs of humanity carry an enduring significance. They serve as a reminder of the potential for beauty, emotion, and connection that lies within us all.
"Listening" by Gilbert Parker is a rich exploration of the themes of nature, music, and the profound impact of human creativity. Through evocative imagery and thoughtful reflections, Parker invites readers to consider the unique power of human song in contrast to the instinctual songs of nature. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring legacy of art and the emotional connections it fosters, suggesting that while nature’s melodies may be beautiful, the deeper songs of humanity carry the weight of memory, love, and aspiration.