Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Last Word of a Bluebird; As Told to a Child" by Robert Frost is a charming and tender poem that communicates a message of hope and continuity to a child named Lesley through the voice of a crow. The poem captures the transition from autumn to winter and conveys a sense of care and guidance from nature.

The poem begins with the speaker encountering a crow, who speaks in a low voice, setting a tone of intimacy and secrecy. The crow says, "Oh, / I was looking for you. / How do you do?" This greeting establishes a conversational tone, suggesting that the crow has an important message to deliver.

The crow’s message is for Lesley, relayed through the speaker: "I just came to tell you / To tell Lesley (will you?) / That her little Bluebird / Wanted me to bring word." This indirect communication adds a layer of magical realism, as the crow serves as a messenger between the bluebird and Lesley. The bluebird’s message is about his experience with the "north wind last night / That made the stars bright / And made ice on the trough." This imagery captures the onset of winter, emphasizing the cold and harsh conditions that the bluebird faced.

The bluebird's struggle with the cold wind is humorously depicted: "Almost made him cough / His tail feathers off." This light-hearted description serves to soften the message of the bluebird’s departure, making it more accessible and less alarming for a child.

Despite the harsh conditions, the bluebird had to leave, but he left a message for Lesley: "He just had to fly! / But he sent her Good-by, / And said to be good, / And wear her red hood." These instructions convey the bluebird's care for Lesley, advising her to stay warm and be good, providing a sense of continuity and responsibility.

The bluebird also encourages Lesley to "look for skunk tracks / In the snow with an ax -- / And do everything!" This playful advice invites Lesley to engage with the natural world and find joy in winter activities, suggesting that life continues to offer adventures even in the bluebird’s absence.

The poem concludes with a hopeful note: "And perhaps in the spring / He would come back and sing." This promise of return in the spring ties the message to the cyclical nature of seasons, providing reassurance that the bluebird’s departure is not permanent and that he will return with the warmer weather.

In summary, "The Last Word of a Bluebird; As Told to a Child" by Robert Frost is a gentle and whimsical poem that conveys a message of hope and continuity to a child. Through the voice of a crow, the poem addresses the seasonal departure of a bluebird, offering advice and encouragement to Lesley. Frost's use of conversational tone, vivid imagery, and playful instructions creates a comforting narrative that reassures the child of the bluebird's return and the ongoing adventures to be found in nature.

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