Poem Analysis - Hummingbird

Fleeting Beauty and Urgent Responsibility

Milton Acorn's "Hummingbird" is a brief but potent meditation on beauty, fragility, and human responsibility. The poem captures a fleeting encounter with a hummingbird, using vivid imagery to convey its delicate existence. It quickly shifts from a celebration of natural wonder to a somber reflection on the looming threats of the modern world, ultimately urging a sense of responsibility in the face of overwhelming danger. The tone moves from appreciative observation to a more urgent and serious consideration of humanity's role in a precarious world.

A Glimpse of the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

One of the poem’s central themes is the recognition of extraordinary beauty in the everyday. The hummingbird, a creature of vibrant color and incredible speed, is presented as a marvel within a mundane setting. The poem describes the hummingbird using striking similes and metaphors, calling it "a pipesmoke blur / shaped like half a kiss," and noting its "raspberry-stone / heart" and "thumbnail of a breast." These descriptions transform a simple bird sighting into a moment of wonder, highlighting the beauty and intricacy that can be found in the natural world if one takes the time to truly observe. The description of the hummingbird's brain as a place "where flowers swing / udders of sweet cider" creates an idyllic image of nature's bounty and inherent sweetness.

Impermanence and the Shadow of Destruction

The poem starkly contrasts the beauty of the hummingbird with the ever-present threat of destruction. The hummingbird's fleeting presence – "In that blink it / was around a briar / and out of sight" – emphasizes the impermanence of beauty and life. This fragility is juxtaposed with the overwhelming dangers facing humanity: "thunderclouds or, / dangers like death, earthquake, and war." This comparison underscores the vulnerability of existence, both for the tiny hummingbird and for humanity as a whole. The lines suggest a tendency to ignore these threats, to become complacent even in the face of potential annihilation, as "it's no use worrying...."

Deity, Duty, and the Burden of Choice

The poem concludes with a call to responsibility in the face of potential doom. The line "Responsibility / Against the threat of termination / by war or other things / is given us as by a deity" suggests that humanity has a moral imperative to act against destructive forces. The word "deity" elevates this responsibility to a sacred duty. It implies that even if destruction seems inevitable, humanity is obligated to fight against it. This section serves as a direct address, shifting the focus from observation to action and demanding that the reader consider their role in preventing global catastrophe.

Final Flight and Lingering Echoes

"Hummingbird" is a powerful, compact poem that leaves a lasting impression. It uses the brief encounter with a hummingbird as a springboard to explore the themes of beauty, fragility, and responsibility. By juxtaposing the delicate beauty of nature with the looming threats of human destruction, Acorn challenges readers to acknowledge their role in the preservation of life. The poem's significance lies in its urgent call to action, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we have a duty to protect the beauty and fragility of the world around us. The poem’s brevity and sharp imagery mirror the hummingbird’s own fleeting existence, reinforcing the message of cherishing the present and acting responsibly for the future.