Poem Analysis - The Last Word Of A Blue Bird

A Child's Comfort: Introduction to Loss

Robert Frost's "The Last Word of a Blue Bird" is a gentle poem that addresses a child's potential experience with loss through the whimsical messenger of a crow. The poem maintains a comforting, almost sing-song tone, relaying a bluebird's farewell message to a young girl named Lesley. While the surface narrative is light and playful, a subtle undercurrent of sadness permeates the poem, reflecting the bittersweet nature of goodbyes and the uncertainty of return. The initial mood of curiosity and simple storytelling subtly shifts towards a more poignant reflection on absence and hope.

The Unseen Hand of Winter: Facing the Inevitable

One of the prominent themes in this poem is the inevitability of change and loss, represented by the harsh winter conditions. The "north wind" that "made the stars bright / And made ice on the trough" is not merely a description of weather but a force compelling the bluebird's departure. This wind almost causes the bird to "cough his tail feathers off," illustrating the severity of the situation and the bluebird's powerlessness against it. The winter acts as a catalyst, forcing a separation that echoes larger, unavoidable separations in life, gently introducing a child to the reality that not everything can stay the same.

The Messenger's Burden: Communication and Caring

The crow serves as a symbol of communication, bearing the important, if somewhat sorrowful, message from the bluebird. The crow's initially hesitant "Oh, / I was looking for you. / How do you do?" hints at the weight of its task. It embodies responsibility and care, dutifully conveying the bluebird's final wishes to Lesley. This highlights the theme of caring and connection; even in the face of separation, the bluebird wants to ensure Lesley's well-being, and the crow facilitates this care through its role as a messenger.

Hope in the Snow: Symbols of Guidance and Reassurance

Several vivid images contribute to the poem's message of hope amidst loss. The "red hood" is a symbol of warmth, protection, and guidance in the cold, suggesting that Lesley should stay safe and heed advice. The instruction to "look for the skunk tracks / In the snow with an ax-" is perhaps the most intriguing. It suggests independence and resourcefulness but the reason is unclear. The ax could be a metaphor for inner strength, urging Lesley to find her own path and be prepared for the challenges ahead. The final promise, "perhaps in the spring / He would come back and sing," is a crucial symbol of hope and cyclical renewal, offering reassurance that absence is not necessarily permanent.

A Gentle Farewell: Summary and Significance

In conclusion, "The Last Word of a Blue Bird" is a tender poem that explores themes of loss, communication, and hope through the lens of a child's understanding. The crow's message, delivered with gentle simplicity, softens the blow of the bluebird's departure, while the symbolic images of the red hood and the skunk tracks offer guidance and encouragement. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in the face of separation, hope and the promise of return can provide comfort and resilience. The significance of this lies in its ability to prepare a child for the inevitable challenges of life with grace and a touch of magic.