The Bonny Bird
The narrative centers on a speaker who expresses deep affection for a bird, symbolizing a beloved figure. The speaker's love is unreciprocated, as the bird prefers another, leading to feelings of heartache and longing. The speaker reflects on the joy and pain of love, having invested emotionally in the relationship by metaphorically creating a nest in their heart for the bird. As the bird departs, the speaker resolves to let go, despite the lingering ache of loss. They search for the bird, only to discover it is now with another, intensifying their sorrow. The imagery of the green valley and grove highlights the speaker's emotional turmoil as they wander aimlessly, grappling with the realization that their beloved is lost to someone else. The speaker acknowledges the finality of their loss, recognizing that they may never reclaim the affection they once held. Despite the pain, the speaker vows to remember the bird, illustrating the enduring nature of love and the heart's capacity to hold onto memories, even in the face of unrequited feelings. The work encapsulates themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of longing, portraying the complexities of emotional attachment and the struggle to move on.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Ballad · 296 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. I once lov'd a bird, and a bonny bird, And I thought to make him my own; But he loves a she far better than me, And has taken his flight and is flown.
2. I once lov'd a bird, and a bonny bird, O I lovèd I vow and protest. I lovèd him well, and O! so very well I built him a nest in my breast.
3. O since he is gone, I will let him alone, Although that I ache and I burn. If he loves a she far better than me, Then I hope he will not return.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bonny Bird is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Ballad, Folk, Lyric
- Length: 296 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bonny Bird by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bonny Bird?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Queen Of Hearts by Sabine Baring Gould
- A Maiden Sat A Weeping by Sabine Baring Gould
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- The Blind by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and longing for a beloved, typical of romantic literature.
- Ballad — The narrative style and emotional storytelling align with the ballad genre, often focusing on personal experiences.
- Folk — The themes and style reflect folk traditions, often conveying cultural sentiments and stories.
Tags
love · loss · heartbreak · nature · bird · longing · sorrow · melancholy · poetry · romance · yearning · nostalgia