A very nice poem. It reminds me a bit of "The Darkling Thrush" by Thomas Hardy. I wonder if the word "to" is missing from this line: "But e'en as I listened the mock-bird's song." I did some research and found a version with "to" at the Schiller Institute:
He is an undervalued poet. Another vastly undervalued poet is Anne Reeve Aldrich. I called her an American Sappho, then later found a portrait of Sappho that looks like her twin! You can see the portraits and some of Aldrich's best poems here:
I'm very fond of Dunbar. In this poem he sings a very plaintive song which, in its adaptation of the American cypress into the same emblematic structure as the European cypress, seems to embrace the universality and binding function of great poetry (I am reminded of Countee Cullen's reflection on race and his espousal of poetic tradition): cypress, because of the preservative properties of its wood, and its desirabilith for coffins and reliquaries, is and has been a durable poetic embodiment of grief and durability, and, of course, of death and fidelity in love brought to the chasm of death.
The image of the mockingbird I find enigmatic. On the surface we find the poet comforted by its justly famous musical voice. Yet sub rosa I find an ambiguity in the image of the mockingbird, whose voice is famous for its ability to sing the songs of other birds. Is the mockingbird the shadow of the poet? Is Dunbar the shadow of the mockingbird?
Oh that was wonderful, the poem reminds me that to be grateful is the source of joy. The readings were spectacular, this poet is new to me (I’m in Ireland) but I find I am rediscovering poetry and thankful for what you do. May you be Blessed and Blessed again.
I was fortunate to have attended a series of William Warfield and Cynthia Olden Lee Master Classes, with the Schiller Institute, in Pasadena CA in the late 90’s. One of Dunbar’s poems, “Malindy Sings” was especially moving. William and Cynthia are deeply missed.
Now, THIS is a poem! Lovely to have such a thing arrive in my inbox - thank you.
A very nice poem. It reminds me a bit of "The Darkling Thrush" by Thomas Hardy. I wonder if the word "to" is missing from this line: "But e'en as I listened the mock-bird's song." I did some research and found a version with "to" at the Schiller Institute:
https://archive.schillerinstitute.com/fidelio_archive/1997/fidv06n04-1997Wi/fidv06n04-1997Wi_037-the_reawakening_of_classical_met.pdf
Thanks.
I’m thinking of writing an essay covering his work, “Paul Lawrence Dunbar: American Promethean.”
Something like that.
He’s got a lot of good ones. “We Wear the Mask” and “Sympathy” are classics. But there are many.
He is an undervalued poet. Another vastly undervalued poet is Anne Reeve Aldrich. I called her an American Sappho, then later found a portrait of Sappho that looks like her twin! You can see the portraits and some of Aldrich's best poems here:
http://www.thehypertexts.com/Anne%20Reeve%20Aldrich%20American%20Sappho%20Poet%20Poetry%20Picture%20Bio.htm
Thank you for the link, a treasure indeed.
I'm very fond of Dunbar. In this poem he sings a very plaintive song which, in its adaptation of the American cypress into the same emblematic structure as the European cypress, seems to embrace the universality and binding function of great poetry (I am reminded of Countee Cullen's reflection on race and his espousal of poetic tradition): cypress, because of the preservative properties of its wood, and its desirabilith for coffins and reliquaries, is and has been a durable poetic embodiment of grief and durability, and, of course, of death and fidelity in love brought to the chasm of death.
The image of the mockingbird I find enigmatic. On the surface we find the poet comforted by its justly famous musical voice. Yet sub rosa I find an ambiguity in the image of the mockingbird, whose voice is famous for its ability to sing the songs of other birds. Is the mockingbird the shadow of the poet? Is Dunbar the shadow of the mockingbird?
Oh that was wonderful, the poem reminds me that to be grateful is the source of joy. The readings were spectacular, this poet is new to me (I’m in Ireland) but I find I am rediscovering poetry and thankful for what you do. May you be Blessed and Blessed again.
I was fortunate to have attended a series of William Warfield and Cynthia Olden Lee Master Classes, with the Schiller Institute, in Pasadena CA in the late 90’s. One of Dunbar’s poems, “Malindy Sings” was especially moving. William and Cynthia are deeply missed.