Wild Goose Shot at Midnight
The narrative unfolds in a wintry setting where a flock of wild geese migrates southward, encountering danger as they cross the Thames. The poem captures the moment when a hunter, armed with a shotgun, targets the geese. One goose is shot down, leading to reflections on the consequences of the hunt. The hunter expresses satisfaction with his catch, describing the goose as large and tasty, highlighting the primal relationship between man and nature. The poem conveys themes of survival, the harshness of nature, and the bittersweet nature of hunting, where the thrill of the chase is juxtaposed with the loss of life. The hunter's remorse is evident, as he acknowledges the goose's fate while justifying his actions through the necessity of sustenance. The imagery evokes a stark winter landscape, emphasizing the struggle for survival in the natural world. The poem ultimately serves as a commentary on the cycle of life and death, the instinctual drive to hunt, and the moral implications of such actions.
By James McIntyre · First published 1970 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Humor · 163 words
First lines
Nov., 1888.
From the regions of the north Where the waters now are frozen, Towards the south they issue forth A flock of wild geese of four dozen.
But when they flew o'er the river Thames They swooped down to take a dive, But sport with shot gun at them aims And one at least did not survive.
And he now says it tasted fine, And that it was both fat and big, A hungry man did on it dine, Satisfied with just one leg.
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Wild Goose Shot at Midnight is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1970 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: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Humor, Narrative, Historical
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem describes wildlife, specifically wild geese, and their interaction with the environment.
- Humor — The poem contains elements of humor, particularly in the portrayal of the man's experience with the wild goose.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about the encounter with the geese and the consequences of hunting.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Assonance · Consonance