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IN A BIRD SANCTUARY, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Richard Wilbur’s “In a Bird Sanctuary" is a sharp and reflective commentary on the human attempt to impose order on nature, contrasted with the untamed freedom of birds. Through its meandering structure and pointed observations, the poem explores themes of liberty, control, and the limits of human understanding when faced with the natural world. Wilbur’s tone oscillates between humor and critique, creating a layered meditation on humanity’s relationship with nature and the impulse to domesticate or intellectualize it.

The poem begins with a description of the sanctuary itself: "Because they could not give it too much ground / they closely planted it with fir and shrub." The constricted space, carefully planned and planted, reflects a human attempt to create a controlled version of the wild. The phrase "a plan of pathways, voted by the Club" adds a satirical note, hinting at the bureaucratic and somewhat artificial nature of the endeavor. Despite its intent to mimic a natural environment, the sanctuary is constrained by human design, with pathways ensuring that visitors can "wander" without risk of getting lost. This ironic commentary underscores the contrast between the unpredictability of nature and humanity’s tendency toward containment.

Wilbur observes that the birds themselves remain indifferent to these efforts: "Now over dear Miss Drury’s favored trees / they flutter (birds) and either stop or not, / as if they were unconscious that the spot / is planned for them." The parenthetical "(birds)" emphasizes their independence and casual disregard for human intention. The sanctuary, intended to "buy release for one restrained department of the soul," is revealed to be more about human needs than the birds themselves. The phrase "to ?make men whole?" highlights the therapeutic aspirations of the sanctuary while subtly critiquing its anthropocentric focus.

The next section delves into the nature of birds and their inscrutability: "It’s hard to tell the purpose of a bird; / for relevance it does not seem to try." Wilbur contrasts the human desire for meaning and relevance with the birds’ seemingly purposeless freedom. Their movements defy "line" or "trace," emphasizing their independence from human constructs of order. The observation that birds "dart without the word" suggests their liberation from human language and the limitations it imposes. This untethered existence becomes a source of both wonder and discomfort, as "birds give him pain" to those who seek to "absorb" or "contain" them.

Wilbur’s critique of human control extends to the "Commissioners of Public Parks," who "have won / a partial wisdom" by acknowledging that "birds exist." This acknowledgment, however, is undermined by their practical measures to manage the coexistence of birds and public spaces. The image of a hired worker tasked to "swab sans rancor dung from granite stare and marble hair" injects humor while illustrating the inevitable clash between nature and human monuments. The absurdity of cleaning bird droppings from statues underscores the futility of attempting to fully integrate wild creatures into human spaces without conflict.

The poem’s shift into uppercase text introduces a mock-authoritative tone:
"BIRDS HAVE BEEN SEEN IN TOWERS AND ON ISLES;
ALSO ON PRIVY TOPS, IN FANEUIL HALL;
BIRDS HAVE SOME OF THEM NOT BEEN SEEN AT ALL;
BIRDS, IF THEY CARE TO, WALK ALONG IN FILE.
BIRDS DO NOT FEEL ESPECIALLY GOOD IN FLIGHT:
LET’S TREAT THEM RIGHT!"

This section parodies the bureaucratic and scientific approach to documenting and understanding birds. The absurdity of cataloging sightings in diverse and mundane locations, alongside the ironic claim that "birds do not feel especially good in flight," highlights humanity’s tendency to anthropomorphize and trivialize nature’s complexity. The concluding call to "treat them right" adds a humorous yet earnest plea for coexistence.

The closing lines shift into abstraction, contemplating the broader implications of liberty and order: "The liberty of any things / becomes the liberty of all." Wilbur suggests that freedom, once granted, has a ripple effect, potentially leading to chaos or "abolition." The balance between freedom and order is precarious, as seen in the final lines: "In order’s name let’s not turn down our thumbs / on routine visions; we must figure out / what all’s about." This conclusion blends humor with philosophical reflection, urging readers to consider the deeper meaning behind humanity’s attempts to structure and understand the natural world.

Structurally, the poem’s loose and conversational tone mirrors its thematic exploration of freedom versus control. The shifts between observational humor, philosophical musing, and satirical commentary create a dynamic and engaging narrative. Wilbur’s language is precise yet playful, capturing both the absurdities and profundities of humanity’s relationship with nature.

“In a Bird Sanctuary” is ultimately a meditation on the tension between humanity’s desire to impose order and the wild, untamed essence of nature. Through its humorous critique and reflective observations, the poem invites readers to question their own perspectives on control, liberty, and the role of nature in human life. Wilbur’s nuanced exploration of these themes makes the poem a thoughtful and enduring reflection on coexistence and the complexities of the natural world.


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