My friend must be a Bird —
Because it flies!
Mortal, my friend must be,
Because it dies!
Barbs has it, like a Bee!
Ah, curious friend!
Thou puzzlest me!

Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem My friend must be a Bird

5 Comments

  1. Abbie K says:

    this poem as a tricky meaning/theme. it is talking about how sometimes a friendship can be going great, but then something can happen that changes it forever and ends the wonderful friendship. it confuses emily d because its almost like the friendship itself has moodswings. i picked this poem to be in my poetry poject, but i can figure out the mood and tone…. any help?

  2. nikki says:

    i dont get this poem is some one can tel me what it means that would be graet

  3. mimi says:

    i have no comments about this poem,its wonderful though,
    i`ve written a poem,its a friend poem.i`ve written this poem to my best friend in the whole world cristina..

    In times of trouble,
    In times of need.
    If u are feeling sad,
    You can count on me.

    I will give you a wink,
    Untile you smile,
    Give you a hug,
    And stand by your side.

    I`ll be there for you till the end,
    I`ll always and forever,

    BE YOUR FRIEND!!

  4. Christine Runciman says:

    I love my friend more than life but he is oblivious to my feelings. He flies away out of my life, hurting me without knowing it – for he has chosen someone else for his true love. The pain of loss is so intense I can but puzzle at it, stunned – ah sweet, sweet friend, I will love you forever, no matter what.

  5. denise dunn says:

    “My Friend Must Be A Bird” is a concise interpretation of a close relationship with a human being. We can not force a friendship, it takes time to build and it still remains in our hearts, even when we may not see one another often. We each have our own life to live and treasure that freedom to go and do the things we want to do. Since we care about our friends, we, of course, are sad or hurt if there have been any cross words spoken to one another. Just as the bee brings us honey, the sweetness of life, so do our friendships, but just as the bee stings, so can our words “the barbs” if they are said in a hurtful manner. We all are here to live and a short life it is and we all will die. It is important to not let too much time pass if a friendship is faltering. You must make clear skies between one another so you can continue the fulfilling flight of life through the wing of a treasured special friendship.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Do you have any comments, criticism, paraphrasis or analysis of this poem that you feel would assist other visitors in understanding the meaning or the theme of this poem by Emily Dickinson better? If accepted, your analysis will be added to this page of American Poems. Together we can build a wealth of information, but it will take some discipline and determination.