Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"St. Francis To The Birds" by Katharine Tynan is a poetic representation of St. Francis of Assisi addressing the birds as his "little sisters," emphasizing the idea that all of nature, including humans and birds, should praise and be thankful to God. Through this gentle sermon, St. Francis provides guidelines for harmonious living while highlighting the interconnectedness of all creatures.

Themes:

Communion with Nature: The poem begins with St. Francis addressing the birds as his "little sisters," implying a deep connection and kinship between humans and the natural world.

Praise and Gratitude: The poem underscores the idea that every element of nature, be it the sun, moon, seasons, or birds, inherently praises God. St. Francis emphasizes the importance of being thankful for all that one has been given.

Moral Guidance: Through St. Francis's words, there is a clear guide on how to live one's life harmoniously, emphasizing kindness, truth, humility, and understanding.

Symbols and Motifs:

Birds: They symbolize innocence, freedom, and the natural instinct to praise God. Their actions, such as building nests and raising their young, are paralleled to human behaviors, suggesting universality in nature's ways.

Nature: The various elements of nature mentioned - seasons, sun, moon, and weather patterns - signify the grandeur of creation and the continuous act of worship through their mere existence.

Poetic Devices and Structure:

Anaphora: The repeated beginning in lines such as "And the..." emphasizes the multitude of ways nature praises God.

Parallelism: The advice given to the birds can be paralleled to advice for humans, suggesting that the values of love, humility, and generosity are universal.

Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem has a structured rhyme scheme, creating a melodious flow, reflective of the songs of birds.

Conclusion: "St. Francis To The Birds" is a poetic sermon that speaks of universal values and the intrinsic bond between man and nature. Through St. Francis's words, Katharine Tynan emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and understanding, urging readers to recognize the divine in every aspect of the world around them. The poem beautifully encapsulates St. Francis's philosophy of love and reverence for all of God's creation.

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