The Windhover

1. In Line 10 a change happens. The poem moves from the past tense to the present, and the scene changes from the bird to the fire. There is also the command “Buckle!” and the word “AND” in capital letters. In sonnets, the volta is the place where the poem’s theme or tone turns. What would you say is the turn in this line? If the first part of the poem is all about a bird, what is the second part, after this line, all about? Why make such a sudden and dramatic change? What is being juxtaposed here? Who or what is buckling?

2. Listen to the poem aloud. Do this without looking at the words. Close your eyes and listen to the way the words roll off the speaker’s tongue. What do you notice about this poem’s rhythm that might be different than other poems and sonnets you’ve read? How might this relate to the sounds of something like “The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll? How do poets create songlike verses without music and without them being sung? What is so striking about a poem that might not make sense but sounds interesting? How do you feel about sacrificing readability for a beautiful rhythm?

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