The Whip-Poor-Will (of Birds and Flowers)
This collection of poetry explores the intersection of nature and human experience through a series of vignettes that examine the lives of various birds and flowers. The poems are characterized by their use of symbolism and metaphor to convey themes related to love, loss, and the passage of time.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Pastoral · 566 words
First lines
Do you remember, father, -- It seems so long ago, -- The day we fished together Along the Pocono? At dusk I waited for you, Beside the lumber-mill, And there I heard a hidden bird That chanted, "whip-poor-will," "_Whippoorwill! whippoorwill! _" Sad and shrill, -- "_whippoorwill! _"
The place was all deserted; The mill-wheel hung at rest; The lonely star of evening Was throbbing in the west; The veil of night was falling; The winds were folded still; And everywhere the trembling air Re-echoed "whip-poor-will! " "_Whippoorwill! whippoorwill! _" Sad and shrill, -- "_whippoorwill! _"
What this Textopian page supports
The Whip-Poor-Will (of Birds and Flowers) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Pastoral, Elegy, Reflective
- Length: 566 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Exposed Nest by Robert Frost
- The Anglers Reveille Of Birds And Flowers by Henry Van Dyke
- The Sleeping Flowers by Emily Dickinson
- The Veery Later Poems by Henry Van Dyke
- The Maryland Yellow Throat Later Poems by Henry Van Dyke
- The Singer by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and sound, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes involve nature and rural life, aligning with pastoral literature.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on themes of loss and mourning, common in elegiac works.
Tags
Nature Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Whimsy · Folklore · Mythology · Birds · Flowers · Seasonal · Summer · Nostalgia