The Fool's Song
The poem explores the futility of attempting to confine or control truth. The speaker reflects on their misguided efforts to capture truth, symbolized by a bird, within a cage. This act is met with self-reproach, as the speaker recognizes their folly in believing that truth could be contained. The repeated refrain emphasizes the inevitability of truth's escape, leading to a realization that once the attempt is made, both the bird and the cage are lost. The imagery of the bird and cage serves as a metaphor for the elusive nature of truth and the consequences of trying to restrict it. Ultimately, the work conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of truth's freedom, highlighting the tension between human desire for control and the inherent wildness of truth.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1942 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric · 135 words
First lines
I tried to put a bird in a cage.
O fool that I am!
For the bird was Truth.
Sing merrily, Truth: I tried to put Truth in a cage!
What this Textopian page supports
The Fool's Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1942 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Carlos Williams
- Date: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric, Symbolism, Modernist
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of truth and folly.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deep themes regarding the nature of truth and the human condition.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of the bird and cage as symbols represents deeper meanings related to truth and freedom.
Tags
Modernist · Experimental · Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · Avant-Garde · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Imagism · Symbolism · Realism · Regionalism