Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "For the Birds" intricately explores the diverse and vibrant world of birds, juxtaposing their constant activity and instinctual behaviors with human experiences and emotions. Through vivid imagery and reflective prose, Jarman delves into themes of connection, admiration, and the deep-seated need for engagement and companionship.

The poem begins with an evocative depiction of birds waking up: "When you wake up, raising the film over your eyes, in a hollow of boughs or bark, / you are always hungry. And you all talk at once." This opening immediately immerses the reader in the chaotic and lively world of birds, where each "twig has an opinion" and the air is filled with "singing fabric sewn with discussions" on a variety of topics from survival to mating. The detailed observation of birds' behaviors and interactions captures the complexity of their lives and their relentless pursuit of sustenance and communication.

Jarman contrasts this avian busyness with his own sense of boredom and longing: "I am bored. I need birds. Not flight but activity, not serene detachment sailing but / intense engagement hunting." This personal reflection reveals a desire for the kind of focused and purposeful activity that birds embody. The poet seeks a direct, engaging connection with the birds, admiring them for their intensity and determination. The line "Look me in the eyes, frontal, head on. And I admire you. Study me askance. And I adore you" highlights the varying degrees of engagement and the poet's profound appreciation for these creatures.

The poem then shifts to a more contemplative tone, pondering the birds' role as "incurious witnesses" to human suffering and spirituality. The reference to St. Francis telling the birds to "be yourselves, little ones, and you will praise God" suggests a simple yet profound wisdom in the birds' existence. This idea is further emphasized by the poignant question, "For how many of us were you the first word?" suggesting the primal and foundational impact birds have on human life and language.

Jarman reflects on a personal memory, illustrating the delicate interaction between birds and humans: "Trouble sleeping, I think of you in the netted aviary. There among reaching fronds / and green blades, you hovered at my sister’s washed floating hair." This intimate recollection captures a moment of connection and the gentle, almost magical presence of birds.

The poem continues with a striking image of an impact: "And this morning, there’s an oil smear on the sliding glass door to the patio, and in / it, dangling gray breast feathers—five of them, like milkweed fluff." This scene of a bird colliding with a window serves as a metaphor for the unexpected and often harsh encounters between the natural and human-made worlds. The comparison to "Veronica’s napkin" and "The Shroud of Turin" imbues the moment with a sense of sacredness and reverence, highlighting the fragility and beauty of the bird's existence.

Jarman then catalogs a variety of birds, each with its unique presence and behavior: "Woodpeckers, hairy or downy. Red bellied. Pileated. Flickers. Cardinals. / Brown thrashers. A single rosebreasted grosbeak." This litany of bird species celebrates the richness and diversity of avian life, emphasizing the poet's deep connection to and appreciation for these creatures. The desire "To be a man who surrounds his house with birds. To be a woman visited by wings" expresses a longing for a life intertwined with nature.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the dual nature of human connection and isolation: "If your call and response first thing in the morning make us hold hands and smile in / the dark, as we lie in bed, it’s because we’re not alone in the world. And when / letters like this one are written, it is because we are." This final thought captures the essence of the human condition—our need for connection, both with each other and with the natural world, and the simultaneous experience of loneliness that often drives us to seek out these connections.

In "For the Birds," Mark Jarman masterfully blends observation, personal reflection, and philosophical musings to create a rich, multifaceted exploration of the relationship between humans and birds. The poem invites readers to consider the ways in which these creatures enrich our lives, offering moments of connection, beauty, and insight amid the complexities of human existence.

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