Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Moss's poem "Cardinal" is a beautifully crafted meditation on the natural cycles of life, particularly focusing on the behavior and symbolism of birds, and more specifically, a cardinal. Through vivid imagery and careful attention to detail, Moss explores themes of repetition, territory, and the ephemeral beauty of nature.

The poem opens with the line, "With summer eggs the birds repeat themselves," which immediately establishes a sense of cyclical continuity in the natural world. This repetition of life cycles—birds laying eggs and raising their young—mirrors the broader rhythms of nature and the passage of time. The phrase "repeat themselves" underscores the predictable and enduring patterns of avian life, suggesting a broader commentary on the constancy of nature amid change.

Moss further elaborates on the birds' activities with "Nest-building territories, wars of air." This line highlights the competitive and territorial aspects of bird behavior, where nest-building becomes a territorial claim and a site of aerial skirmishes. The "wars of air" evokes a sense of dynamism and conflict, portraying the natural world as both beautiful and fiercely competitive.

The imagery of "under the eaves another nursery / Of pipes and whinneys, of voiced demands" brings the scene closer to human habitation. Birds nesting under the eaves of a house create a connection between the human and natural worlds. The use of "pipes and whinneys" anthropomorphizes the birds' calls, likening them to musical instruments or animal sounds, emphasizing the diversity and richness of their vocalizations. The "voiced demands" suggest the incessant and urgent nature of these calls, reflecting the pressing needs of new life.

The focal point of the poem is introduced with the cardinal, described as standing on a tree and letting "go with song / Standing on a tree for long, red minutes." The cardinal's song is portrayed as an outpouring of pure expression, filling the summer evening with its vibrant presence. The use of "red minutes" not only highlights the bird's striking color but also imbues the passage of time with a sense of vivid intensity, as if the cardinal's redness infuses the very minutes it occupies.

Moss deepens this imagery by describing the cardinal's song as making "its red / More plush with every breath, with every change / Of light, the summer evening coming on." This poetic description intertwines the bird's physical appearance with its song, suggesting that its redness becomes more intense and lush with each note sung and each shift in the evening light. The cardinal's song and the changing light of the evening create a dynamic interplay, enhancing the sensory experience of the moment.

The poem concludes with the cardinal's silent departure: "Before it silently flew into the trees." This quiet exit contrasts with the vibrant and vocal presence of the cardinal earlier in the poem, emphasizing the fleeting nature of such moments. The bird's departure into the trees signifies a return to the natural world, leaving behind a sense of stillness and the memory of its song.

In "Cardinal," Howard Moss captures the beauty and complexity of a single moment in nature, using the cardinal as a symbol of both the ephemeral and enduring qualities of life. The poem's attention to detail and rich imagery evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world. Through his lyrical portrayal of the cardinal's song and the summer evening, Moss invites readers to appreciate the transient yet profound moments that connect us to nature and its cycles.

The poem subtly reflects on the interconnectedness of all life, the rhythms of nature, and the beauty that can be found in even the simplest of moments. Moss's "Cardinal" is a testament to the power of observation and the poetic potential of everyday experiences, reminding us of the depth and resonance found in the natural world.

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