A Murmur in the Trees to Note
poem 416
A Murmur in the Trees to Note - meaning Summary
Secret Observations of Nature
The poem presents a speaker who notices tiny, elusive happenings in nature—soft murmurs in trees, distant stars, yellow light on the lawn, and busy small birds—then frames these observations as almost secret, half-imagined phenomena that others would not believe. The voice balances wonder and reticence: vivid sensory detail gives way to a pledge of silence, turning perception into a private treasure. The effect is intimate and whimsical, emphasizing personal, interior engagement with the natural world and the speaker’s choice to keep certain perceptions to herself.
Read Complete AnalysesA Murmur in the Trees to note Not loud enough for Wind A Star not far enough to seek Nor near enough to find A long long Yellow on the Lawn A Hubbub as of feet Not audible as Ours to Us But dapperer More Sweet A Hurrying Home of little Men To Houses unperceived All this and more if I should tell Would never be believed Of Robins in the Trundle bed How many I espy Whose Nightgowns could not hide the Wings Although I heard them try But then I promised ne’er to tell How could I break My Word? So go your Way and I’ll go Mine No fear you’ll miss the Road.
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