This poem describes a woodpecker's behavior and its relationship with the natural world. The speaker observes the bird's pecking at trees, searching for insects to eat. The poem highlights the bird's unique characteristics, such as its downy feathers and red cap, and notes its ability to climb up and down trees quickly. The poem also touches on the idea of the woodpecker's connection to nature, suggesting that it is a part of the ecosystem and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the forest. The speaker seems to admire the bird's independence and self-sufficiency, noting its ability to survive and thrive without human assistance. The poem's tone is calm and observational, with a focus on describing the natural world and the behavior of the woodpecker. It does not contain any overt messages or themes, but rather presents a straightforward description of the bird and its habits.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Descriptive Poetry