Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "What the Dove Sings" employs the mourning dove as a central symbol to explore themes of fate, loss, and the inevitability of death. The poem's intricate play with sound and meaning evokes a deep sense of melancholy and contemplation, resonating with the natural yet poignant rhythm of the dove's cooing.

The poem begins with a vivid image of the mourning dove: "The mourning dove / wearing noon’s aureole / coos from the rhododendron." This introduction not only sets the scene but also imbues the dove with a kind of celestial glow ("noon’s aureole"), suggesting a moment of quiet reverence or holiness. The dove's song, rendered as "oo-waoh, shadow o- / ver what to do. Oh," mimics the actual sound of the dove while also introducing an element of linguistic play that captures the mood of confusion and despair.

The line "And the sad rhetoric spreads / through suburb and wood" signifies how the dove's mournful song permeates both human and natural environments, linking the two in a shared experience of sorrow. The use of "rhetoric" suggests a form of communication that is both persuasive and pervasive, implying that the dove's song carries a universal message of lamentation.

The poem then reflects on the impact of the dove's song on those who hear it: "Those who hear / dove moan love no / querulous warbling more—." Here, the dove's moan is contrasted with "querulous warbling," perhaps implying that the pure, plaintive coo of the dove is more profound and affecting than other, more superficial sounds. This line also suggests that the dove's song speaks directly to the deeper emotions of the listeners, evoking a stronger, more genuine response.

The phrase "the going hence / about which is there no- / thing to do?" introduces a contemplation of mortality and the inevitability of departure. This rhetorical question underscores the helplessness and resignation felt in the face of death, a theme that is further developed in the poem.

"From no small rip in fate / the you you never shall be / more will be extracted." This line poignantly captures the essence of loss and the finality of death. The "rip in fate" signifies a tear in the fabric of existence, through which one's essence is irreversibly removed. The repetition of "you" emphasizes the personal nature of this loss, making it both intimate and universal.

The poem concludes with a return to the dove's perspective: "Dove knows the rubric / and starts in, who, / who is next and soon?" The use of "rubric" here suggests that the dove understands the rules or principles governing life and death, and its song is a reminder of these immutable truths. The questioning "who, / who is next and soon?" leaves the reader with a sense of impending inevitability, a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the certainty of death.

"What the Dove Sings" by Carol Frost is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on the themes of loss and mortality. Through the symbol of the mourning dove and its evocative song, Frost captures the profound sadness and inevitability of death, while also highlighting the shared human experience of grief. The poem's rich imagery and sound play create a resonant and deeply moving exploration of the delicate balance between life and death.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...