You hold the bird with open hands
Until it flies to distant lands.
You love when it returns again,
Within your palm, you see it then,
But if you try to tightly grasp
This gift, embrace it, hold it fast,
You lose it by its being too near—
By being free, it is more dear.
By being free, it is more dear.
You lose it by its being too near—
This gift, embrace it, hold it fast,
But if you try to tightly grasp
Within your palm, you see it then,
You love when it returns again,
Until it flies to distant lands.
You hold the bird with open hands.
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There has been a beautiful red shouldered hawk that has visited our yard for the past few years. I have so much wanted it to land on my hand/arm and started to research falconry. However, I realized that it is more important for this raptor to be free to exist how it is meant to be. This bird visits me almost daily and I thank God for this brief but beautiful gift.
Nice touch Betsy. I think you created a good classical metaphor that manages to communicate a profound idea while at the same time maintaining a beautiful simplicity.
You took a theme which is a generally or universally well known theme, but you have it an original treatment, which is what’s important.
We need to see more of that.
Thanks to you both for your thought-provoking replies!
This is in my view, a beautifully written, short and concise poem about our yearning for affection even as we insist on our freedom to be who we are. This is a metaphor for both love and liberty. Like others, I would like to read more of this, here and elsewhere.
Many thanks!