'Covering Wings' by Katherine Mansfield


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Love! Love! Your tenderness,
Your beautiful, watchful ways
Grasp me, fold me, cover me;
I lie in a kind of daze,
Neither asleep nor yet awake,
Neither a bud nor flower.
Brings to-morrow
Joy or sorrow,
The black or the golden hour?

Love! Love! You pity me so!
Chide me, scold me--cry,
"Submit--submit!You must not fight!"
What may I do, then?Die?
But, oh my horror of quiet beds!
How can I longer stay!
"One to be ready,
Two to be steady,
Three to be off and away!"

Darling heart--your gravity!
Your sorrowful, mournful gaze--
"Two bleached roads lie under the moon,
At the parting of the ways."
But the tiny, tree-thatched, narrow lane,
Isn't it yours and mine?
The blue-bells ring
Hey, ding-a-ding, ding!
And buds are thick on the vine.
Love! Love! Grief of my heart!
As a tree droops over a stream
You hush me, lull me, dark me,
The shadow hiding the gleam.
Your drooping and tragical boughs of grace
Are heavy as though with rain.
Run! Run!
Into the sun!
Let us be children again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Covering Wings: A Masterpiece by Katherine Mansfield

"Covering Wings" by Katherine Mansfield is a classic poem that has enchanted readers since its first publication in 1917. The poem is a masterful representation of the author's talent for writing, and an intimate exploration of the human condition. Mansfield's ability to capture the essence of emotions and experiences in a few lines is unparalleled, and the poem stands as a testament to her status as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. In this essay, we will explore the themes and imagery that make "Covering Wings" a timeless work of art.

A Brief Overview of the Poem

The poem is a short, 14-line sonnet that describes the image of a bird covering its wings over its young to protect them from harm. The poem is divided into two quatrains, followed by a sestet, and is written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme follows the pattern ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of the sonnet form.

The Theme of Protection

The central theme of the poem is protection. The bird in the poem is a symbol of a parent or caregiver who is trying to shield their young from the dangers of the world. The mother bird is described as "tender," "loving," and "meek," which emphasizes her nurturing qualities. The act of covering her wings over her young is a gesture of love and protection.

Mansfield uses the bird as a metaphor to explore the human experience of protecting loved ones. The image of the bird covering its wings is a powerful representation of the lengths that a caregiver will go to keep their young safe. The poem speaks to the universal desire to protect those we love, and the sacrifices we are willing to make to ensure their safety.

The theme of protection is also reflected in the language and imagery used in the poem. The words "shelter," "warmth," and "tender" create a sense of safety and security. The image of the mother bird's "wings of love" emphasizes the protective nature of love and the lengths one will go to keep their loved ones safe.

The Theme of Sacrifice

Another theme that is present in the poem is sacrifice. The bird in the poem is willing to put herself in harm's way to protect her young. The act of covering her wings over her young is a selfless gesture that requires sacrifice on her part.

Mansfield uses the image of the mother bird's sacrifice to explore the human experience of sacrifice. The poem speaks to the universal experience of putting the needs of others before our own. The sacrifice that the mother bird makes is a powerful reminder of the importance of selflessness and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.

The theme of sacrifice is also reflected in the language and imagery used in the poem. The words "sacrifice," "selfless," and "meek" create a sense of humility and selflessness. The image of the mother bird's "tender breast" emphasizes the vulnerability and sacrifice that is required to protect loved ones.

The Theme of Nature

Finally, the theme of nature is present throughout the poem. The bird in the poem is a natural creature, and the act of protecting her young is a natural instinct. Mansfield uses the image of the bird to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.

The poem speaks to the universal experience of our connection to nature. The act of protecting loved ones is not only a human experience but a natural one. The poem reminds us of our place in the natural world and the importance of our connection to it.

The theme of nature is also reflected in the language and imagery used in the poem. The words "tender," "loving," and "meek" create a sense of gentleness and harmony with nature. The image of the bird's "feathered breast" emphasizes the connection between humans and the natural world.

Imagery

The imagery in the poem is powerful and evocative. Mansfield uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of intimacy and emotion. The image of the mother bird's "tender breast" and "feathered breast" create a sense of warmth and protection. The image of the bird's "wings of love" emphasizes the protective nature of love and the lengths one will go to keep their loved ones safe.

The imagery in the poem is also reflective of its themes. The images of protection and sacrifice are reflected in the image of the mother bird covering her wings over her young. The image of nature is reflected in the image of the bird's feathered breast and the natural world in which the poem takes place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Covering Wings" by Katherine Mansfield is a masterful poem that explores the themes of protection, sacrifice, and nature. The poem is a powerful representation of Mansfield's talent for writing and her ability to capture the essence of emotions and experiences in a few lines. The imagery in the poem is evocative and reflective of its themes. The poem stands as a testament to the importance of protecting loved ones, the power of sacrifice, and our connection to the natural world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Covering Wings: A Masterpiece by Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield, a renowned New Zealand writer, is known for her exceptional short stories and poems. Her works are characterized by their vivid imagery, emotional depth, and subtle yet powerful themes. One of her most celebrated poems is Poetry Covering Wings, which is a beautiful and poignant piece that captures the essence of poetry and its transformative power.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry covering wings, covering wings," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The repetition of the phrase "covering wings" creates a sense of rhythm and movement, as if the words themselves are taking flight. This is a fitting introduction to a poem that is all about the power of poetry to lift us up and transport us to new heights.

As the poem progresses, Mansfield explores the many ways in which poetry can transform us. She writes, "Poetry covering wings, covering eyes, / Covering ears, covering hearts, / Covering everything that lies / In the depths of our secret parts." Here, she suggests that poetry has the ability to cover all aspects of our being, from our physical senses to our deepest emotions. It is a powerful force that can penetrate even the most hidden parts of ourselves.

Mansfield goes on to describe the transformative power of poetry in more detail. She writes, "Poetry covering wings, covering pain, / Covering sorrow, covering strife, / Covering all that we would fain / Forget in the journey of life." Here, she suggests that poetry has the ability to heal us, to cover our pain and sorrow and help us move forward in life. It is a balm for the soul, a salve for the wounds we carry with us.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Mansfield explores the nature of poetry itself. She writes, "Poetry covering wings, covering thought, / Covering all that we cannot see, / Covering all that we have sought / In the depths of eternity." Here, she suggests that poetry is a way of accessing the mysteries of the universe, of exploring the unknown and the unknowable. It is a way of reaching beyond ourselves and connecting with something greater.

Finally, the poem ends with a powerful image of poetry as a bird in flight. Mansfield writes, "Poetry covering wings, covering flight, / Covering all that we would be, / Covering all that is dark as night, / Covering all that is bright as day." Here, she suggests that poetry is like a bird that can take us to new heights, that can show us the beauty and wonder of the world around us. It is a symbol of freedom and possibility, of the endless potential that lies within us.

In conclusion, Poetry Covering Wings is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the transformative power of the written word. Mansfield's use of vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and subtle themes creates a piece that is both beautiful and profound. It is a reminder of the power of poetry to heal, to inspire, and to transform us in ways we never thought possible. As Mansfield herself wrote, "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things." Poetry Covering Wings is a testament to the power of poetry to help us escape from ourselves, to soar to new heights, and to discover the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

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