Who Is It That Answers?

By John Frederick Freeman

Reflective Poem
    The clouds no more are flocking     After the flushing sun;     Bees end their long droning,     The bat's hunt is begun;     And the tired wind that went flittering     Up and down the hill     Lies like a shadow still,     Like a shadow still.     Who is it that's calling     Out of the deepening dark,     Calling, calling, calling?--     No!--yet hark!     The sleepy wind wakes, carrying     Up and down the hill     A voice how small and still,     How sweet and still!     Who is it that answers     Out of a quiet cloud--     "Stay, oh stay! I come, I come!"     Cried at last aloud?     My voice, my heart went answering     Up and down the hill--     Mine so strange and still,     Mine grave and still.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a rich tapestry of imagery and sensory detail, exploring themes of nature, solitude, and the dichotomy between silence and sound. The structure consists of three stanzas, each opening with a question or observation and concluding with a quiet, introspective reflection, creating a rhythm that mirrors the day's transition into night and the subsequent awakening of the speaker's internal dialogue.

The first stanza sets the scene of a day ending, with the sun setting, bees quieting, and a bat beginning its hunt. The poet uses personification in describing the wind as 'tired' and 'flittering,' making the natural world feel alive and emotive. This tone of tranquility and peace is sustained throughout, even as the poem moves into more introspective territory.

In the second and third stanzas, the speaker's inner voice begins to emerge from the quiet of the night, represented as a call and response between the speaker and an unseen entity. This could symbolize the speaker's internal dialogue or a connection with the wider world. The repetition of the word 'calling' emphasizes a sense of longing or searching, which is ultimately answered with a personal and emotional response in the final stanza. The use of adjectives like 'small,' 'strange,' and 'grave' in describing the voice suggests a complex emotional state, perhaps of introspection, loneliness or contemplation.

The poem, therefore, beautifully captures a single moment in time, using the natural world as a backdrop for the speaker's internal journey. It is a contemplative piece that invites the reader to reflect on their own inner voice and their connection to the world around them.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.