Precarious

Summary

A romantic canzone reflects on the precarious nature of love, comparing it to a redbird's delicate balance on a treetop.

Abstract

The poem "Precarious" uses the metaphor of a redbird perched on a high, swaying branch to explore the vulnerability and resilience inherent in romantic relationships. It delves into the fears and uncertainties of love, the impact of potential loss, and the silent plea for forgiveness. The redbird, undisturbed by the wind, symbolizes the speaker's belief in the enduring nature of love, despite the risks of falling from the "highest bough." The poem captures the tension between the thrill of love's heights and the ever-present danger of a tumultuous end, emphasizing the delicate balance required to maintain a relationship in the face of temptation and change.

Opinions

The speaker believes that love, like the redbird, can survive even if the supporting structure (the tree) falls, suggesting an optimistic view of love's endurance.
There is a sense of vulnerability expressed by the speaker, who admits to feeling unstable in the relationship, likening their situation to being on a "highwire."
The poem conveys a fear of abandonment, with the speaker expressing a dramatic concern that they would "surely die" if left by their partner.
The speaker acknowledges the allure of temptation and the challenge of resisting it, which adds complexity to the relationship's dynamics.
A deep chasm of loss is acknowledged, indicating the potential for significant emotional damage if the relationship were to fail.
The poem suggests that forgiveness is sought but not guaranteed, leaving the relationship's future uncertain.
The author's goal is to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader, prompting

A romantic canzone

Our eyes are drawn to a redbird nesting On a slender tree in the highest bough Stick legs balanced, confidently resting Where wind whips the leaves and tall branches bow.

“How can it stay so calm?” she asks of me. I know the answer, but don’t want to say. The redbird knows, if the wind fells the tree She’ll live again to fly another day.

“If you leave me, I’ll surely die,” I chance, My own stick legs feeling less than stable. We’ve climbed through our lives to the tallest branch A lofty perch where missteps are fatal. “Why did you do it!?” her eyes want to know. Lust for the highwire, to live in the now Thrill of a wild ride, swinging to and fro Where wind whips the leaves and tall branches bow.

However fast our lives together spin The gravity of temptation lures us. Balanced on the point of the sharpest pin We negotiate this trick of forces.

Higher we climb, with more space between us Beneath our love, a deep chasm of loss. Our lofty perch, worn thin by the seasons Pitches and lurches and threatens to toss.

“Can you forgive me?” as dread fills my chest. My lips only tremble and make no sound As she gazes up to the treetop nest Where wind whips the leaves and tall branches bow.

My goal as a writer is to make you stand up when you finish reading, walk around your chair, shake your head, and then carry on. If this didn’t do that for you, please let me know in a comment. I’ll try harder next time.

POETRY

Precarious

A romantic canzone