L’OISEAU SAUVAGE
This poem by female French writer Louisa Paulin [1888-1944] is about an unsuspecting and inexperienced wild little bird who is thirsty for adventures. He pleads with his father for permission to visit the countryside, but his more cautious father begs him in return not to leave the nest because of the many dangers the little bird will encounter outside. Will the father convince him to stay? That’s what you are about to discover in this nice poem, which I have the pleasure to read to you. And let’s have a little chat about the meaning of this poem after you’ve listened and read it.
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L’Oiseau sauvage Ils te prendront, petit oiseau sauvage. Ils te prendront, petit oiseau sauvage. Ils te prendront, petit oiseau sauvage. Ils te prendront, petit oiseau sauvage. Louisa PAULIN, Rythmes et cadences |
They will take you (away), wild little bird. –Father, my father, I want to see some country. They will take you (away), wild little bird. –Father, my father, I remain by the nest. They will take you (away), wild little bird. They will take you (away), wild little bird. They will take you (away), wild little bird. |
I personally love this poem very much, and I hope you do, too, now that you've read and listened to it. But let's have a little conversation here. Do you think this poem illustrates conflicts or tensions that sometimes separate parents from their children, especially when these ones decide to take on an ambitious enterprise that put their lives in great danger (according to the parents)? Do you think the author is being herself a little biased in the poem as a parent who's trying to retain control and power over the children by telling them not to do certain things, or is it a legitimate right for every parent to make sure their children remain safe, even if this implies 'killing' their life ambitions? Look forward to your insight
Every heart has the right to its freedom. Fly bird fly!
Maybe it's the parent's duty to share what they have experienced. But still the decision is belonged to their sons and daughters. Giving some information and guideline is useful to listen.
I love this poem. It has a lot of meaning. I think that the father is very protective of his little bird but it is only fair that the little bird should have his freedom and live his life. I enjoyed this poem very much!
Independence is the theme of this lovely poem. As parents, we must allow our kids to fly.
Certainly the children should be allowed to fly, to explore. At the same time, they should be cautioned of the dangers that lurk beyond the safe confines of the home. However, mere cautioning will not help them much, they should be EQUIPPED to face the dangers. How do you equip them? Sit them down and tell them : WHAT the danger is, WHY it is dangerous, and if they encounter it, HOW can they protect themselves. Young people often do not see things the same way as their parents, so if we can project our point of view to them in a way they will understand, at least they will keep their eyes and ears open. Forewarned is forearmed. That is all a parent can hope for.