O for Thy Wings, Sweet Bird!
The work expresses a deep yearning for freedom and transcendence, using the metaphor of a bird to convey the desire to escape earthly burdens and sorrows. The speaker admires the bird's ability to soar above the troubles of life, contrasting its blissful existence with their own feelings of weariness and longing. The speaker reflects on the bird's unencumbered life, free from painful memories and emotional chains, highlighting a sense of envy for its ability to navigate the skies without the weight of human suffering. The imagery evokes a longing for solace and a connection to nature, suggesting that the bird's song could provide comfort and a reprieve from the speaker's emotional turmoil. Throughout the verses, there is a plea for liberation from the constraints of mortal existence, emphasizing a desire to escape the "infirmity of woe" and the loneliness that accompanies it. The speaker seeks to be taken to a place of peace and beauty, where they can find solace in the bird's melody and perhaps rediscover a sense of joy and purpose. The work ultimately captures the tension between the desire for spiritual elevation and the reality of human experience, illustrating a profound connection to nature as a source of inspiration and healing. The longing for the bird's wings symbolizes a quest for freedom, transcendence, and a deeper understanding of existence beyond the confines of earthly life.
By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual · 376 words
First lines
O for thy wings, sweet bird! And soul of melody by being blest -- Like thee, my voice had stirred Some dear remembrance in a weary breast.
But whither wouldst thou rove, Bird of the airy wing, and fold thy plumes? In what dark leafy grove Wouldst chant thy vespers 'mid rich glooms?
What this Textopian page supports
O for Thy Wings, Sweet Bird! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Mary Baker Eddy
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual, Nature Writing, Lyric
- Length: 376 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, focusing on themes of longing and nature.
- Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotional experiences and a connection to nature, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Spiritual — The themes of transcendence and longing for a higher state of being reflect spiritual exploration.
- Nature Writing — The imagery of birds and natural settings emphasizes the beauty and solace found in nature.
Tags
Spiritualism · Christianity · Philosophy · Theology · Poetry · Devotional · Inspirational · Meditative · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Faith · Hope