Poem Analysis - Twice Had Summer Her Fair Verdure

A Plea for Sustenance: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Twice Had Summer Her Fair Verdure" is a concise yet poignant poem that expresses a sense of longing and perhaps even desperation. The poem evokes a feeling of repeated cycles juxtaposed with a profound lack. Beginning with observations of natural abundance, the tone gradually shifts to one of questioning and implied disappointment. The speaker wonders why, despite the earth's generosity, a certain "wandering Bird" remains unprovided for.

Nature's Generosity and a Bird's Plight: The Central Tension

The central theme of the poem revolves around the contrast between nature's seemingly endless bounty and the apparent neglect of one of its creatures. The first stanza emphasizes the repetitive cycle of summer and winter, suggesting a reliable and consistent provision. The imagery of "Summer her fair Verdure" and "Winter’s silver Fracture" presents a picturesque scene of seasonal change, indicating abundance and even beauty. Similarly, the second stanza highlights the squirrel's successful preparation for autumn, "Bounteous prepared," further reinforcing the idea of natural provision. However, the poem takes a turn in the last two lines, questioning why this generosity does not extend to the "wandering Bird." This creates a tension between the expectation of universal sustenance and the reality of potential deprivation, suggesting a deeper exploration of fairness and providence.

The Wandering Bird: Symbol of Vulnerability

The "wandering Bird" functions as a powerful symbol within the poem. It can be interpreted as a representation of vulnerability, perhaps alluding to the individual soul, the artist, or anyone who feels lost and unsupported. Unlike the squirrel, which actively prepares and is seemingly rewarded, the bird "wanders," implying a lack of direction or security. The bird's inability to find sustenance despite the surrounding abundance suggests a sense of isolation and a critique of a system that does not uniformly provide for all its members. The bird is not actively finding a "Berry" for itself, perhaps because it is unable or unwilling. This further emphasizes its vulnerability.

Recurring Imagery of Seasonal Cycles: Underlining the Inequity

The poem's recurring imagery of seasonal cycles is significant. The repetition of "Twice" in the first line sets the stage for a reflection on time and natural rhythms. The speaker is not merely observing a single event, but rather a pattern of abundance. This emphasizes the inexplicable nature of the bird’s lack of provision. If summer has arrived twice, if autumn has come twice, why is this one creature left wanting? The imagery of summer's "Verdure" and winter's "silver Fracture" further contrasts with the image of a wandering, unsupported bird. The former evokes warmth, growth, and beauty, while the latter evokes coldness and fragility, highlighting the stark difference between those who benefit from nature's bounty and those who struggle.

A Question of Divine Neglect: Conclusion

"Twice Had Summer Her Fair Verdure" is a deceptively simple poem that raises profound questions about fairness, providence, and the distribution of resources. While initially appearing as an observation of natural cycles, it evolves into a poignant plea on behalf of the vulnerable "wandering Bird." The poem ultimately challenges the perceived benevolence of nature, perhaps even hinting at a critique of divine neglect, leaving the reader to ponder the reasons behind the bird’s lack of provision and the implications for other wandering souls. Is the poem a critique of a social system? Or does the "Berry" represent something less tangible that the bird lacks, something intrinsic?