The Redwing by Bliss Carman (1908)
A poem about the beauty and power of nature, specifically a red winged bird. The speaker reflects on the bird's ability to soar through the sky with ease and grace, contrasting with their own limitations and struggles. The poem explores themes of freedom, beauty, and the human condition.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Nature · 215 words
First lines
I hear you, Brother, I hear you, Down in the alder swamp, Springing your woodland whistle To herald the April pomp!
First of the moving vanguard, In front of the spring you come, Where flooded waters sparkle And streams in the twilight hum.
You sound the note of the chorus By meadow and woodland pond, Till, one after one up-piping, A myriad throats respond.
I see you, Brother, I see you, With scarlet under your wing, Flash through the ruddy maples, Leading the pageant of spring.
What this Textopian page supports
The Redwing is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Redwing by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Redwing?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ye Who Have The Stable World by Bliss Carman
- By Still Waters by Bliss Carman
- Songs Of The Grass by Bliss Carman
- The Tree Of Heaven by Bliss Carman
- Others Shall Behold The Sun by Bliss Carman
- I Heard The Gods Reply by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is recognized as a renowned poet, and 'The Redwing' is a collection of his verses.
- Nature — The theme and the metaphors used in this book are heavily nature-focused, typical of Carman's work.
Tags
Nature poetry · Bird imagery · Romanticism · Canadian literature · Poetic symbolism · Mythology · Fable · Allegory · Ecological themes · Conservation · Environmentalism · Spirituality