Eagle and Salmon by James McIntyre
A narrative unfolds around a pair of eagles that nest in a tall pine tree, raising their young annually. One day, a fledgling eagle ventures out in search of food and spots a large salmon in the river. It swoops down to catch the fish, but the salmon's weight proves too much for the young eagle. Despite its efforts, the eagle cannot lift the heavy catch and ultimately drowns in the attempt. Observing the scene, Wilmot, a figure associated with fish culture, investigates the situation by rowing his boat to the location. He discovers the drowned eagle, its wings spread, and realizes that the eagle's talons are stuck in the salmon, which led to its demise. Wilmot retrieves the eagle's body, highlighting the tragic consequences of overreaching ambition and the struggle for survival in nature. The tale serves as a poignant reflection on the balance of life and the perils of underestimating challenges.
By James McIntyre · First published 1990 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Fable · 308 words
First lines
Wilmot of fish culture fame, To this tale he lends his name, A pair of eagles built their nest On a lofty pine tree's crest.
And therein they regular rear A brood of young year after year, One day he saw one leave its nest, When for food it was in quest.
What this Textopian page supports
Eagle and Salmon is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1990 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1990 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Fable, Narrative, Environmental Literature
- Length: 308 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem explores themes of wildlife, specifically the relationship between eagles and salmon, highlighting natural behaviors.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson about overreaching and the consequences of ambition, typical of fables.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story with a clear sequence of events and characters, fitting the narrative genre.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Fishing · Wildlife · Ecosystems · Environmentalism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology