To Hear an Oriole Sing
poem 526
To Hear an Oriole Sing - meaning Summary
Perception Shapes Sacred Sound
Dickinson explores how perception makes experience sacred or ordinary. The poem suggests the oriole’s song itself is neutral; what changes is the listener’s ear or inner state. Whether the song is "divine" depends on personal receptivity rather than the bird. The closing lines stage a skeptic who denies inward apprehension, prompting readers to consider how interior attitude fashions the meaning of natural phenomena.
Read Complete AnalysesTo hear an Oriole sing May be a common thing Or only a divine. It is not of the Bird Who sings the same, unheard, As unto Crowd The Fashion of the Ear Attireth that it hear In Dun, or fair So whether it be Rune, Or whether it be none Is of within. The Tune is in the Tree The Skeptic showeth me No Sir! In Thee!
Feel free to be first to leave comment.