The First Bird o'. to Olive Wheeler (of Skies an
This poem explores the theme of mortality and the passing of time through the image of a bird's first flight. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, using the bird's initial foray into the world to illustrate the fragility and beauty of existence.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romantic · 214 words
First lines
Winter on Mount Shasta, April down below; Golden hours of glowing sun Sudden showers of snow! Under leafless thickets Early wild-flowers cling; But, oh, my dear, I'm fain to hear The first bird o' Spring!
Alders are in tassel, Maples are in bud; Waters of the blue McCloud Shout in joyful flood; Through the giant pine-trees Flutters many a wing; But, oh, my dear, I long to hear The first bird o' Spring!
Candle-light and fire-light Mingle at "the Bend"; 'Neath the roof of Bo-hai-pan Light and shadow blend. Sweeter than a wood-thrush A maid begins to sing; And, oh, my dear, I'm glad to hear The first bird o' Spring!
The Bend, California, April 29, 1913.
What this Textopian page supports
The First Bird o'. to Olive Wheeler (of Skies and Seasons) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romantic, Regional
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Wood God by Madison Cawein
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- The Souls Storm by Emily Dickinson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes and imagery focus on natural elements like seasons, flowers, and birds.
- Romantic — The text expresses longing and affection, typical of romantic themes.
- Regional — The setting and references are specific to a particular geographic location, enhancing regional characteristics.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasons · Birds · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Feminine · Spirituality · Cosmology · Mythology