Poem Analysis - Humming Bird Woman

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Humming Bird Woman" is a short, introspective poem that explores the speaker's fascination with a woman, likening her to a hummingbird. The tone is contemplative and somewhat wistful, with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The poem shifts from a questioning mood to a more reflective one, as the speaker ponders the woman's appearance and the memories associated with her.

Themes of Wonder and Memory

The poem delves into themes of wonder and memory. The speaker's curiosity about how the woman would look in various colors and feathers suggests a sense of awe and fascination. This wonder is juxtaposed with the speaker's struggle to recall specific details about the woman, highlighting the theme of memory. The phrase "I who cannot remember" underscores the fleeting nature of memories and the passage of time. The speaker's inability to recall precise details about the woman's appearance contrasts with their vivid imagination of her in different colors and feathers, emphasizing the elusive nature of memory.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in vivid imagery, particularly the colors and feathers associated with a hummingbird. The colors blue, red, orange, green, and yellow, along with the "humming-bird feathers," create a vibrant and dynamic picture. These colors and feathers symbolize the speaker's idealized and romanticized view of the woman. The hummingbird, known for its swiftness and delicacy, may represent the woman's elusive and captivating nature. The willow tree, mentioned in the phrase "under your willow throat," could symbolize flexibility and grace, further enhancing the speaker's admiration for the woman. The use of these images contributes to the overall message of the poem, which seems to be about the speaker's longing and fascination with an idealized figure.

Conclusion

In summary, "Humming Bird Woman" by Carl Sandburg is a poem that explores themes of wonder, memory, and idealization through vivid imagery and symbolism. The speaker's contemplative tone and the use of colorful, dynamic images create a sense of fascination and longing. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of how memory and imagination shape our perceptions of the people we admire. The hummingbird symbolizes the elusive and captivating nature of the woman, while the willow tree adds a layer of grace and flexibility to the speaker's admiration. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own memories and the idealized figures that captivate their imaginations.