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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Adrienne Rich's poem "Return of the Evening Grosbeaks" explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly focusing on the birds around the house. Through a contemplative tone and rich imagery, Rich examines the ways in which humans project meaning onto nature and the limitations of such interpretations. The poem opens with a whimsical observation: "The birds about the house pretend to be / Penates of our domesticity." The use of "Penates," the Roman household gods, suggests that the birds are seen as guardians or symbols of the home, imbuing them with a sense of significance in the domestic sphere. This personification of birds hints at the human tendency to attribute deeper meanings to natural occurrences. Rich continues with a playful critique of this tendency: "And when the cardinal wants to play at prophet / We never tell his eminence to come off it." The cardinal is humorously elevated to the status of a prophet, and the speaker acknowledges the absurdity of taking the bird's presence as a sign or omen. The tone here is light, yet it underscores the human inclination to find prophetic meaning in the natural world. The poem moves on to describe other birds: "The crows, too, in the dawn prognosticate / Like ministers at a funeral of state." The crows' early morning calls are likened to solemn ministers, adding a layer of gravitas to their behavior. Similarly, "The pigeons in their surplices of white / Assemble for some careful Anglican rite" draws a parallel between the pigeons' movements and religious ceremonies, further highlighting how human interpretations can transform mundane bird activities into significant events. However, Rich shifts focus to the evening grosbeaks: "Only these guests who rarely come our way / Dictate no oracles for us while they stay." Unlike the other birds, the evening grosbeaks do not inspire prophetic or symbolic interpretations. Their presence is simply accepted without the need to impose meaning, suggesting a more straightforward and unembellished interaction with nature. The poem concludes with a reflection on change and continuity: "No matter what we try to make them mean / Their coming lends no answer to our scene. / We scatter seed and call them by their name, / Remembering what has changed since last they came." These lines acknowledge the human desire to find meaning in the birds' return, but ultimately, their presence does not provide answers or insights into human concerns. The act of scattering seed and naming the birds is a gesture of recognition and familiarity, yet it also serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the changes that have occurred since their last visit. "Return of the Evening Grosbeaks" by Adrienne Rich captures the delicate balance between finding meaning in nature and accepting its inherent mystery. Through her evocative imagery and contemplative tone, Rich invites readers to reflect on their interactions with the natural world and the ways in which they project significance onto it. The poem underscores the beauty of simply observing and appreciating nature without the compulsion to impose human interpretations.
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