Author: Anne Bronte

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    Poor restless dove, I pity thee;
    And when I hear thy plaintive moan,
    I mourn for thy captivity,
    And in thy woes forget mine own.

    To see thee stand prepared to fly,
    And flap those useless wings of thine,
    And gaze into the distant sky,
    Would melt a harder heart than mine.

    In vain  in vain! Thou canst not rise:
    Thy prison roof confines thee there;
    Its slender wires delude thine eyes,
    And quench thy longings with despair.

    Oh, thou wert made to wander free
    In sunny mead and shady grove,
    And, far beyond the rolling sea,
    In distant climes, at will to rove!

    Yet, hadst thou but one gentle mate
    Thy little drooping heart to cheer,
    And share with thee thy captive state,
    Thou couldst be happy even there.

    Yes, even there, if, listening by,
    One faithful dear companion stood,
    While gazing on her full bright eye,
    Thou mightst forget thy native wood.

    But thou, poor solitary dove,
    Must make, unheard, thy joyless moan;
    The heart, that Nature formed to love,
    Must pine, neglected, and alone.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This evocative poem presents a profound contemplation of freedom, captivity, and companionship. The central metaphor of a captive dove, longing for liberation yet trapped within a cage, is a poignant symbol for isolation and unfulfilled desires. This metaphor is effectively used to explore themes of empathy and the universal need for companionship.

The poem possesses a melancholic tone, with the speaker expressing sorrow for the dove's plight and finding a reflection of their own feelings in the bird's situation. The repetition of the phrase "thou couldst be happy even there" suggests that even in the most challenging circumstances, the presence of a companion can make life bearable. This mirrors the universal human sentiment that companionship can be a balm to many of life's hardships. Structurally, the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme which serves to underscore the rhythmic lamentation of the dove and the speaker's empathetic sorrow.

The poem's use of imagery, particularly in the description of the dove's futile attempts to fly and its gaze into the distant sky, enhances the feeling of confinement and longing. Phrases like "useless wings" and "prison roof" further underscore the theme of captivity. Simultaneously, the imagery of "sunny mead and shady grove" and "distant climes" conjure up a sense of freedom and open spaces, amplifying the contrast between the dove's natural state and its current condition. This powerful juxtaposition serves to highlight the poem's central themes and imbue it with a deep sense of pathos.