Charmed by goldfinches, though aggressive they are To each other at the seed tray Rising in a spinning squabble Of red and yellow before they settle To wait their turn as others haggle.
Another interesting poem indeed. Some charming imagery, “spinning squabble,” stands out in that regard. The poem’s theme seems unambiguous enough as an observation of nature, but because of that apparent simplicity I find the final line is my favorite, as the description of birds “waiting their turn as others haggle” left me pondering. It’s not clear to me who the hagglers are; haggling seems like an anachronism. I thought perhaps that the line was making a comparison of wild nature to the more historical realities of man, who had to barter amongst themselves for goods and services. Then I wondered if the hagglers could be other goldfinches, or other animals entirely, but what would they barter with? Or the word haggle is a semi-rhyme with the word squabble. I’m stumped, but that’s normal for me. Pro-tip: I’ve found that I can conceal my habitual state of confusion behind a mask of gruff surliness.
I do enjoy trying to decipher these poems, looking forward to more!
You seem to be quite acute in picking up possibly questionable elements in spite of saying you are confused. I thought 'haggle' was a risk, but took it anyway. You are right to say that the half-rhyme was part of the attraction of the word. The reference is entirely to goldfinches rather than an attempt at wider significance. Two goldfinches competing for a place at the bird table spiral off, while others compete for a chance to take their place. 'Haggle' might not be the best word for this, but they did seem too be negotiating a place, and, although the meaning has shifted, 'haggle' is in origin the same word as 'hackle' (and they did have their hackles up!) and closely related to 'heckle', which some who could not get a place at the bird feeder certainly looked like they were doing from the sidelines.
Haha, well I like to poke some fun at myself, I don't want to take myself too too seriously, nor would I want anyone else to believe I've hopped up on the bully pulpit making grand pronouncements on other's hard work... Or maybe I do, is there still time to change my name to King Solomon McCian, instead??
Thank you for the compliment, it's invigorating.
Your elucidation on your writing process is very interesting, I hope I can keep up with semi-penetrating comments so you can expound more, it's kind of educational.
Another interesting poem indeed. Some charming imagery, “spinning squabble,” stands out in that regard. The poem’s theme seems unambiguous enough as an observation of nature, but because of that apparent simplicity I find the final line is my favorite, as the description of birds “waiting their turn as others haggle” left me pondering. It’s not clear to me who the hagglers are; haggling seems like an anachronism. I thought perhaps that the line was making a comparison of wild nature to the more historical realities of man, who had to barter amongst themselves for goods and services. Then I wondered if the hagglers could be other goldfinches, or other animals entirely, but what would they barter with? Or the word haggle is a semi-rhyme with the word squabble. I’m stumped, but that’s normal for me. Pro-tip: I’ve found that I can conceal my habitual state of confusion behind a mask of gruff surliness.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy trying to decipher these poems, looking forward to more!
You seem to be quite acute in picking up possibly questionable elements in spite of saying you are confused. I thought 'haggle' was a risk, but took it anyway. You are right to say that the half-rhyme was part of the attraction of the word. The reference is entirely to goldfinches rather than an attempt at wider significance. Two goldfinches competing for a place at the bird table spiral off, while others compete for a chance to take their place. 'Haggle' might not be the best word for this, but they did seem too be negotiating a place, and, although the meaning has shifted, 'haggle' is in origin the same word as 'hackle' (and they did have their hackles up!) and closely related to 'heckle', which some who could not get a place at the bird feeder certainly looked like they were doing from the sidelines.
DeleteHaha, well I like to poke some fun at myself, I don't want to take myself too too seriously, nor would I want anyone else to believe I've hopped up on the bully pulpit making grand pronouncements on other's hard work... Or maybe I do, is there still time to change my name to King Solomon McCian, instead??
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment, it's invigorating.
Your elucidation on your writing process is very interesting, I hope I can keep up with semi-penetrating comments so you can expound more, it's kind of educational.