Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s poem “Gracious Goodness” vividly captures a moment of unexpected and profound connection with nature, illustrating the inherent virtue in acts of compassion and rescue. The setting is a beach, described with a sense of idle tranquility as the speaker and their companion engage in the simple pleasure of identifying shells: "cat's paw, cross-barred Venus, china cockle." This serene scene is abruptly disrupted when they notice a sea bird fall to the sand, struggling grotesquely.

The bird, identified as a royal tern, is described in distress, "pinned to himself to die," with a "great barbed hook out through the cheek and fixed in the big wing." The imagery here is stark and painful, evoking a sense of urgency and empathy. The tern’s black crest, described as "blown back as if he flew in his own private wind," highlights its dignity and the tragedy of its predicament.

As the speaker takes the bird into their hands, they are struck by its physical presence: "not fragile but muscular and glossy and strong." This description contrasts the bird's vulnerability with its inherent strength and resilience. The tern’s beak, capable of inflicting harm, opens only to cry out as the barbs are removed, emphasizing the creature’s helplessness and the trust it places in its rescuers.

The act of removing the hook is described with a sense of shared effort and care: "We borrowed a clippers, cut and drew out the hook." This communal act of rescue underscores the theme of human compassion and the instinct to help a fellow creature in need. The moment the tern takes off again, albeit wavering and lurching, symbolizes a return to freedom and normalcy. The bird’s recovery, as it "dipped, zoomed, and sailed out to dive for a fish," is a triumphant return to its natural element, showcasing its resilience and the effectiveness of the rescue.

The poem culminates in a powerful reflection on the nature of virtue: "Virtue: what a sunrise in the belly." This metaphor captures the profound inner warmth and satisfaction derived from performing a selfless and compassionate act. The speaker’s rhetorical question, "Why is there nothing I have ever done with anybody that seems to me so obviously right?" reveals a deep introspection about the simplicity and purity of the act of saving the bird compared to other human interactions and endeavors.

In “Gracious Goodness,” Piercy masterfully combines detailed natural imagery with a narrative of rescue and reflection. The poem celebrates the inherent goodness in acts of compassion and the profound impact such moments can have on our sense of purpose and morality. Through the vivid depiction of the bird’s plight and recovery, Piercy invites readers to consider the simple yet profound virtue in helping others, whether they be human or animal, and the deep sense of fulfillment that such actions bring.

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