Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Bird-witted" by Marianne Moore was first published in Moore's collection "Observations" in 1924.

Explanation: 

"Bird-witted" is a short but vivid poem that describes the flight of a bird. The poem consists of three stanzas, each focusing on a different aspect of the bird's appearance and movements. In the first stanza, the bird is described as a "tiny flying saucer" that "floats and darts" in the air. The second stanza emphasizes the bird's speed and agility, describing it as a "whirling light" that "sparkles and spins." In the third and final stanza, the bird's iridescent feathers are highlighted, as it is compared to a "pale turquoise tassel" that "trails along the air." Overall, the poem celebrates the beauty of the bird's flight and its ethereal appearance.

Poetic Elements:

• - Structure/Form: The poem consists of three stanzas with varying line lengths and no set rhyme or meter. The irregular form reflects the free, unpredictable movements of a bird in flight.
• - Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, primarily describing the bird's movements and appearance. Examples include "float[ing] and dart[ing]" in the first stanza, "whirling light" in the second stanza, and "iridescence" and "celadon" feathers in the third stanza.
• - Metaphor: The bird is compared to a "tiny flying saucer" in the first stanza, and to a "pale turquoise tassel" in the third stanza. These comparisons help to evoke the bird's unusual and captivating appearance.
• - Alliteration: Moore uses alliteration throughout the poem, such as "fleetness and flatness," "sparkle and spin," and "the trees and the tower." This creates a musical quality to the poem and draws attention to certain words and phrases.
• - Enjambment: Many lines of the poem flow into one another without end-stops, creating a sense of continuous movement and echoing the bird's flight path.

Conclusion:

“Bird-witted" celebrates the beauty and nimble grace of a bird in flight through vivid imagery, metaphor, and sonic techniques. The poem captures the fleeting and unpredictable nature of the bird's motions, while also highlighting its iridescent, ethereal appearance. In "Bird-witted," Moore demonstrates her skill in describing the natural world in precise, vivid language. The poem's celebration of the beauty and agility of the bird in flight also reflects Moore's broader interest in the natural world and her desire to capture its wonders in her poetry.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...