Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

May Swenson’s “Willets” offers a vivid observation of nature, focusing on the courtship and behavior of willets, a type of shorebird. The poem delves into themes of ritual, instinct, and the complex interplay of behavior between living beings, all encapsulated in a brief yet potent narrative.

The poem opens with an image of contrast: “One stood still, looking stupid. The other, / beak open, streaming a thin sound.” The stark dichotomy between the two birds immediately sets the stage for a dynamic interaction. One willet is passive, described almost humorously as “looking stupid,” while the other is active and vocal, taking “sideways steps, / stamping the salt marsh.” This initial portrayal highlights the difference in roles, possibly reflecting a courtship or territorial display. The stamping motion of the active bird, accompanied by its open wings and high-pitched cries, conveys a sense of urgency and intensity, a physical embodiment of the tension between the two.

Swenson’s precise and observational language captures the essence of animal behavior while leaving room for interpretation. The passive willet “still stood wooden, a decoy,” suggesting an intentional or instinctive stillness that might be part of a natural strategy. The word “decoy” implies a feigned indifference, an act of subtle resistance or testing within the interaction. This layering of behavior adds a psychological depth to the birds’ movements, anthropomorphizing them while maintaining the integrity of their natural instincts.

As the active willet approaches, the poem escalates in intensity. His “stamp-danced closer,” with wings rising and “hinges straightened,” depicts a ritualistic display. The imagery of “thin sound / streaming agony-high” evokes a mix of desperation and determination. This vocalization and physical display appear to serve as a plea or demand for the other bird’s engagement, reflecting both the persistence of courtship rituals and the underlying tension in animal interactions.

The passive willet, described as pretending, presents an ambiguous reaction: “was it welcome, or only dazed / admission of their fate?” This line invites reflection on the line between choice and instinct in nature. Is the stillness a conscious decision, or simply a biological response to an inevitable act? Swenson’s use of “fate” adds a contemplative layer, suggesting the predetermined roles and actions that govern the lives of animals.

The climactic moment occurs when the active willet lands on the other, described with a mix of precision and restraint: “trodden upon her / back, both careful feet.” The carefulness in the description emphasizes the balance and delicacy required in this moment, underscoring the duality of dominance and care in their interaction. The wings of the active bird “held off his weight,” while his tail “pressed down, slipped off.” This delicate balance mirrors the interplay of force and consent within the ritual, a dynamic that is both instinctual and necessary for their species’ continuation.

The conclusion of the poem returns the birds to their routine: “She / animated. And both went back to fishing.” This ending grounds the poem in the cyclical nature of life. The ritual, charged with tension and purpose, seamlessly dissolves into the ordinary task of survival. By juxtaposing the dramatic intensity of the courtship with the mundane act of fishing, Swenson emphasizes the interconnectedness of moments in nature—how extraordinary rituals exist alongside and within the ordinary.

“Willets” showcases Swenson’s ability to merge keen observation with poetic insight. Her language is precise yet layered, allowing readers to witness the natural behavior of the birds while contemplating broader themes of instinct, ritual, and the blurred boundaries between choice and inevitability. Through her depiction of the willets, Swenson invites readers to consider the beauty and complexity of even the smallest moments in nature.

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