Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with the image of the ailanthus tree, often referred to as the "tree of heaven" or "poverty tree," setting the tone for a journey through landscapes marked by both beauty and decay. The tree, with its "gaudy nectarine shades," serves as a symbol for the vibrant, yet often overlooked, life in urban settings. The transition from the tree's seeds to the image of parrots taking flight introduces the theme of music, with the birds' colors mirroring the rich sounds and rhythms of jazz.

Hull masterfully uses the motif of jazz—"A musical idea"—as a vehicle to explore the interplay between structure and improvisation, both in music and in life. The references to macaws and their vivid colors evoke the spontaneity and vibrancy of jazz, a genre that encapsulates the essence of creativity and freedom. The poem's structure itself mirrors jazz's improvisational nature, with its shifting scenes, perspectives, and tempos creating a sense of movement and fluidity.

The journey through the city's "phantom city skyline" and the quest to find Charlie "Bird" Parker's grave are laden with nostalgia and a deep sense of connection to the past. Hull's narrative is not just a physical search but a spiritual journey, seeking the roots of the music that defines and transcends the urban experience. The mention of "Bird's grave" is symbolic, representing not only a pilgrimage to the resting place of a jazz legend but also a reflection on the impermanence of life and the enduring legacy of art.

Hull's personal reflections, intertwined with the imagery of the city and the night, convey a deep sense of longing and a quest for identity. The poem's exploration of appearance, from the "Kansas City hat" to the "poured-on dress," speaks to the ways in which individuals navigate the world, crafting personas that both reveal and conceal their true selves.

The poem culminates in a celebration of jazz's power to capture the complexity of human emotion and the beauty found in life's imperfections. The final lines, "If you don’t live it, it won't come out your horn," serve as a poignant reminder of the authenticity at the heart of jazz and, by extension, at the core of human experience. This statement underscores the poem's overarching theme: the art of living fully, embracing the chaos and beauty of existence, and expressing one's truth through the unique melody of one's life.

"Ornithology" is a lyrical ode to jazz, the city, and the myriad ways in which life and art intertwine. Lynda Hull crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of beauty, loss, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity in the symphony of life.

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