Emily Dickinson's poem "These are the days when birds come back" is a deceptively simple yet profound exploration of the cyclical nature of life and death. While on the surface, it appears to be a joyous celebration of spring, a closer examination reveals layers of complex emotions and themes.
Form and Structure:
* Free Verse: Dickinson abandons traditional rhyme and meter, opting for a free verse structure that reflects the natural flow of thought and the fluidity of nature.
* Short Lines: The poem's short, fragmented lines create a sense of urgency and immediacy, mirroring the fleeting nature of the seasons.
* Enjambment: The frequent use of enjambment forces the reader to move across lines, echoing the constant movement of life.
Themes:
* The Cyclical Nature of Life: The poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death, particularly the transition from winter to spring. The return of the birds symbolizes renewal and rebirth, while the "long, cold, lonesome days" suggest the inevitability of death and loss.
* Hope and Despair: Dickinson uses the imagery of birds to convey both hope and despair. While the "birds come back" bringing "cheer," the poem also acknowledges the "long, cold, lonesome days" that follow. This duality underscores the cyclical nature of both joy and sorrow.
* Mortality and Immortality: The poem evokes the idea of mortality and the possibility of an afterlife. The birds' "little, joyful lives" are fleeting, yet they symbolize the potential for something beyond the material world. The "long, cold, lonesome days" represent the inevitable end of life, but the "birds come back" suggests a cyclical nature of life that transcends death.
* Nature as a Metaphor: Dickinson uses nature as a metaphor for human life. The changing seasons, the coming and going of birds, all reflect the cyclical nature of human experience.
Imagery:
* Birds: The birds are the primary symbol of the poem. They represent hope, renewal, and the return of life. Their "little, joyful lives" suggest the fleeting nature of existence.
* Spring: Spring is the time of year when life is renewed. The poem's imagery of "green grass" and "bright days" suggests a time of joy and rebirth.
* Winter: Winter symbolizes death and the absence of life. The "long, cold, lonesome days" represent the inevitability of death.
Tone and Mood:
* Melancholy: Despite the joyous imagery of spring and the birds' return, the poem maintains a melancholic tone. This melancholy is reflected in the "long, cold, lonesome days" and the "little, joyful lives" of the birds.
* Hopeful: The poem ultimately ends on a note of hope. The return of the birds suggests a cyclical nature of life and death, and the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
Conclusion:
"These are the days when birds come back" is a complex and multifaceted poem that explores the cyclical nature of life and death. While it celebrates the joy and renewal of spring, it also acknowledges the inevitability of winter and the transient nature of existence. Through its use of symbolism, imagery, and tone, Dickinson creates a powerful and moving meditation on the human condition.