The poem was first published in 1934 in Rachel Field’s Branches Green, a children’s poetry book. ‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ is fairly short and direct in its language. The easy rhyme scheme makes it a pleasurable read for readers of all ages.
Summary
‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ by Rachel Field depicts wild geese sensing the signs of winter’s return and reacting.
The poem depicts the wild geese hearing something in the natural world that reminded them of winter. They were told to “go” from the golden fields, despite summer being in full swing. They sensed (through their natural instincts) that there was some element of winter coming. The poet notes that despite their surroundings, each “beast stiffened / At remembered ice.”
Theme
The main theme of this poem is nature and preparedness. While the poem certainly reminds readers that it’s important to be prepared, even when life seems easy and joyful, it also suggests that one can dwell too much on the past. The “beasts” are haunted by memories of winter. They hear and sense signs of winter and flee from what seems like a perfect summer day in fear of it.
Structure and Form
‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ by Rachel Field is a four-stanza poem that is divided into sets of four lines, known as quatrains. These quatrains follow a rhyme scheme of ABCB, and changing end sounds from stanza to stanza. Poetry lovers may be familiar with this as the standard rhyme scheme of ballads. The poet also chose to use loosely structured lines of trochaic trimeter.
Literary Devices
Throughout this poem, the poet makes use of several literary devices. These include but are not limited to:
- Repetition: seen through the poet’s use of the same literary device more than once. For example, the use of the word “Something” twice in stanza one.
- Personification: occurs when the poet imbues something nonhuman with human characteristics. For example, the poet personifies all the creatures in the poem, as well as the whispered words of “snow” and “frost” that they hear.
- Alliteration: seen through the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. For example, “geese,” “golden,” and “go” in lines one, two, and three. This is also an example of consonance.
- Imagery: the use of particularly effective descriptions that should inspire the reader’s senses. For example, “Summer sun was on their wings” and “All the sagging orchards / Steamed with amber spice.”
Detailed Analysis
Stanza One
Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered,—‘Snow.’
In the first lines of the poem, the poet begins by describing how “something” (as of yet unknown) told the “wild geese” that it was “time to go.” They knew, through their connection to nature, that it was time to leave the golden fields. Snow is coming, nature whispered to them. The poet uses a basic ABCB rhyme scheme in this stanza and the other three stanzas. She rhymes “go” and “Snow” here while “geese” and “golden” do not rhyme. The poet also uses examples of enjambment between lines one and two and three and four.
Stanza Two
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned,—‘Frost.’
They heard words of caution, despite the seemingly pleasant weather, and heeded them. They remember what winter was like and, fearing it, decide to go preemptively. The poet emphasizes the “green” and luster-tinted environment. Examples of alliteration in these lines help further the overall rhythm of the poem. For example, “Berries” and “But beneath.” The “f” sound in “feathers” and “Frost” is also effective.
Stanzas Three and Four
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,—
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.
The second part of the poem emphasizes the orchard that is filled to the brim with apples, or “amber spice,” as the poet writes.
Despite the beauty and peace of the season, “each wild breast stiffened / At remembered ice.” There is a certain trauma associated with winter that all the wild creatures have trouble shaking. They might be in the middle of summer, but “Winter” is in their “cry.” They’re dreading the worst part of the year and reacting preemptively to it.
FAQs
The poet wrote this piece to explore the natural world and describe how animals react to seasons in a way that a young reader can understand. The animals remember the winter and can hear it calling to them even in the middle of summer.
The poet uses a sing-song-like rhythm throughout this poem, but the tone is not joyful. Instead, it is more serious and direct. The text alludes to an unending focus on winter, or unhappiness, even in the brightest moments of life.
‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ is a children’s poem divided into quatrains that follow a rhyme scheme of ABCB.
The geese remember what winter is like, and they can sense it coming in the distance. This inspires them to start their migration south and avoid any hint of this unpleasant season.
The lesson is that it’s important to be prepared even when things seem brightest. But, at the same time, one might also interpret the poem as suggesting that it’s important to appreciate the good times and not dwell on past trauma or suffering.
Similar Poetry
Readers who enjoyed this poem should also consider reading some related poems. For example:
- ‘Wild Geese’ by Mary Oliver – expresses what one must do to lead a good life.
- ‘Spring Morning’ by A.A. Milne – creates an uncertain and nostalgic tone by asking the same question several times. The young speak can’t stop asking, “Where am I going?”
- ‘The Children’s Hour’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – explores a certain time of day the poet calls the “children’s hour.”
