A Bird's Anger

By William Henry Davies

Narrative Poem
    A summer's morning that has but one voice;         Five hundred stocks, like golden lovers, lean     Their heads together, in their quiet way,         And but one bird sings, of a number seen.     It is the lark, that louder, louder sings,         As though but this one thought possessed his mind:     'You silent robin, blackbird, thrush, and finch,         I'll sing enough for all you lazy kind!'     And when I hear him at this daring task,         'Peace, little bird,' I say, 'and take some rest;     Stop that wild, screaming fire of angry song,         Before it makes a coffin of your nest.'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
In this poignant poem, the speaker observes a stark contrast between the collective silence of the natural world and the lone lark's defiant song. The image of five hundred stocks, likened to golden lovers, leaning together in quiet contemplation, serves as a powerful metaphor for the stillness that pervades the natural world. In stark contrast, the lark's loud and insistent singing is a declaration of individuality, a rejection of the silence that surrounds it. The speaker's gentle rebuke to the lark, urging it to rest and cease its wild, screaming fire of angry song, serves as a nuanced exploration of the tension between individual expression and the need for harmony. The poem's central observation is that even in the midst of overwhelming silence, a single voice can be both a source of comfort and a catalyst for chaos. Ultimately, the lark's song is a testament to the enduring power of individuality, even in the face of overwhelming conformity.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.