Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ADVICE TO A BLUE-BIRD by MAXWELL BODENHEIM

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO CAN MAKE A DELICATE ADVENTURE
Last Line: WITHIN A SKY, AND ROB IT OF ITS BLUE!
Subject(s): BIRDS; BLUEBIRDS;
Who can make a delicate adventure
Of walking on the ground?
Who can make a grass-blades
Arcades for pertly careless straying?
You alone, who skim against these leaves,
Turning all desire into light whips
Molded by your deep blue wing-tips,
You who shrill your unconcern
Into the sternly antique sky.
You to whom all things
Hold an equal kiss of touch.

Mincing, wanton blue-bird,
Grimace at the hoofs of passing men.
You alone can lose yourself
Within a sky, and rob it of its blue!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net