"The Kingfisher: A Celebration of Nature's Beauty in W. H. Davies' Poem"

 "The Kingfisher" by W.H. Davies is a poem that describes the beauty and grace of a kingfisher bird as it dives into the water to catch its prey. The poem portrays the kingfisher as a symbol of freedom and natural beauty. It captures the bird's swift and agile movements as it plunges into the water, and the vivid colors of its feathers as it emerges from the depths.

The poem begins with the speaker's observation of the kingfisher's "beautiful blue" feathers, which are "brighter than a star." The bird's wings are described as "delicate" and "fearless," suggesting its freedom and independence. The speaker then notes the bird's "graceful curve" as it plunges into the water, which is "clear as glass."

The poem's second stanza describes the bird's "dazzling" colors as it emerges from the water with a fish in its beak. The bird's feathers are described as "emerald green" and "orange bright," evoking images of the natural beauty that surrounds it. The speaker marvels at the bird's "perfect skill" as it catches its prey, highlighting the bird's agility and prowess.

The final stanza of the poem emphasizes the bird's symbolic significance, describing it as a "freedom" that is "never held in thrall." The kingfisher is portrayed as a creature of nature that is free from human constraints and able to live and hunt according to its own instincts. The speaker acknowledges that the bird's beauty and grace are fleeting, but notes that the memory of the kingfisher's flight will "shine on" in the mind's eye.

Overall, "The Kingfisher" is a short yet powerful poem that captures the beauty and freedom of a natural creature. Davies' vivid imagery and use of descriptive language evoke the senses and create a memorable picture of the kingfisher's flight. Through the bird's symbolic significance, the poem encourages readers to appreciate the natural world and to embrace the beauty and freedom that it offers.