In Reference to Her Children

Author: Anne Bradstreet

I had eight birds hatched in one nest,
Four cocks there were, and hens the rest.
I nursed them up with pain and care,
Nor cost, nor labor did I spare,
Till at the last they felt their wing,
Mounted the trees, and learned to sing.

Chief of the brood then took his flight
To regions far and left me quite.
My mournful chirps I after send,
Till he return, or I do end.
Leave not thy nest, thy dam and sire,
Fly back and sing amidst this choir.

My second bird did take her flight,
And with her mate flew out of sight.
Southward they both their course did bend,
And seasons twain they there did spend,
Till after blown by southern gales
They've took their course to western vales.

But seeing ye, my dear and loved ones,
Thus fledged, thus flown, thus scattered hence,
From one nest to another year,
In chirping language teach your heirs
To flee the fowler's snare and see
That these are grounds they may not be.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written: 1678-01-01

Date Published: 1678-05-01

Language: English

Keywords: Motherhood, Children, Flight, Loss, Farewell

Source: The Works of Anne Bradstreet

Publisher: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A reflective poem where Bradstreet likens her children to birds that have flown from the nest, expressing both sorrow and hope for their futures.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.