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A little bird, with plumage brown, Beside my window flutters down, A moment chirps its little strain, Then taps upon my window-pane, And chirps again, and hops along, To call my notice to its song; But I work on, nor heed its lay, Till, in neglect, it flies away.
So birds of peace and hope and love, Come fluttering earthward from above, To settle on life's window-sills, And ease our load of earthly ills; But we, in traffic's rush and din Too deep engaged to let them in, With deadened heart and sense plod on, Nor know our loss till they are gone.
Content Analysis
The poem uses the metaphor of a sparrow to represent the simple joys and moments of peace that life offers. The speaker, busy with work, ignores the bird's song and only realizes the loss when it flies away. This is extended to a broader commentary on how people, caught up in the rush of life, often miss out on opportunities for hope, love, and peace.
- Missed Opportunities
- The Value of Simple Joys
- Nature vs. Modern Life
- Regret
Metaphor: "The sparrow is a metaphor for 'birds of peace and hope and love' that we often ignore."
Personification: "Birds of peace and hope and love... come fluttering earthward... to ease our load of earthly ills."
About the Author
Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1896) was one of the first influential Black poets in American literature. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents who had been enslaved in Kentucky before the American Civil War.
Writing Style: Known for his versatile style, writing in both African-American dialect and conventional English. His works often explored the experiences of Black Americans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does the speaker miss the sparrow's song?