Sonnet on Hearing a Thrush Sing
written in 1788
Sonnet on Hearing a Thrush Sing - meaning Summary
Joy Despite Material Lack
Burns presents a speaker moved by a thrush's song into a simple lesson: inner contentment can outshine material lack. The bird's music brightens a wintry scene and becomes a metaphor for how meek Content endures "Poverty's dominion drear." The poem shifts to gratitude for a spiritual or natural gift—"Author of this opening day"—which grants joys that money cannot buy. The closing invitation to share a "mite" links communal generosity with humble happiness, framing poverty not as despair but as a field where cheer and charity persist.
Read Complete AnalysesSing on, sweet thrush, upon the leafless bough, Sing on, sweet bird, I listen to thy strain, See aged Winter, 'mid his surly reign, At thy blythe carol, clears his furrowed brow. Thus in bleak Poverty's dominion drear, Sits meek Content with light, unanxious heart; Welcomes the rapid moments, bids them part, Nor asks if they bring ought to hope or fear. I thank thee, Author of this opening day! Thou whose bright sun now gilds yon orient skies! Riches denied, thy boon was purer joys - What wealth could never give nor take away! But come, thou child of poverty and care, The mite high heav'n bestow'd, that mite with thee I'll share.
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