Something Told the Wild Geese

by Rachel Field

Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field   Something told the wild geese It was time to go, Though the fields lay golden Something whispered, “snow.” Leaves were green and stirring, Berries, luster-glossed, But beneath warm feathers Something cautioned, “frost.” All the sagging orchards Steamed with amber spice, But each wild breast stiffened At remembered ice. Something told the wild geese It was time to fly, Summer sun was on their wings, Winter in their cry.

Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field     কিছু বলেছিল বুনো হাঁসদের যাওয়ার সময় হয়েছে। যদিও ক্ষেত্রগুলো সোনালী হয়ে আছে কিছু ফিসফিস করে বলল, — “তুষার”।   পাতাগুলো সবুজ এবং নড়ছিল, বেরিগুলো, উজ্জ্বল-চকচকে, কিন্তু উষ্ণ পালকের নিচে কিছু সতর্ক করল, — “তুষারপাত”।   সব ঝুলন্ত বাগানগুলো অ্যাম্বার মশলার সাথে বাষ্পিত হচ্ছিল, কিন্তু প্রতিটি বুনো বুক শক্ত হয়ে গেল স্মৃতির বরফে।   কিছু বলেছিল বুনো হাঁসদের উড়ার সময় হয়েছে — গ্রীষ্মের সূর্য তাদের ডানায় ছিল, তাদের কান্নায় শীত।

Summary
The poem reflects the subtle signs of seasonal change, especially the transition from autumn to winter. Although the landscape still shows signs of warmth—golden fields, green leaves, and bright berries—there is an underlying whisper of snow. The wild geese sense this shift instinctively. Despite the lingering warmth, they prepare to fly, guided by memories of cold and the silent signals of nature. The poem beautifully captures the tension between the present warmth and the approaching chill, emphasizing nature’s quiet wisdom and the emotional depth of seasonal transformation.

Main themes of the poem

1. Seasonal Change and Nature’s Instinct

The poem centers around the transition from autumn to winter. Even though the environment still shows signs of warmth and life, the wild geese instinctively sense the coming snow and prepare to migrate. This highlights nature’s deep awareness and responsiveness to seasonal shifts.

2. Memory and Intuition

The geese are guided not just by external signs but by internal memory—“memory of snow.” This suggests that instinct and past experiences play a role in decision-making, even in animals.

3. Contrast Between Appearance and Reality

There’s a strong contrast between what is seen (golden fields, green leaves, warm spices) and what is felt (the whisper of snow, the chill in the air). This theme explores how reality can be layered, with deeper truths hidden beneath surface beauty.

4. Migration and Survival

The act of flying away symbolizes survival and adaptation. The geese must leave behind comfort and warmth to face the cold, showing the necessity of change and movement in response to nature’s cycles.

5. Melancholy and Nostalgia

There’s a quiet sadness in the poem, especially in the lines about “memory of snow” and “winter in their cry.” It evokes a sense of longing and emotional depth tied to the changing seasons.

Answer the following questions

1. What makes the geese decide to leave?

The geese decide to leave because they sense the arrival of winter. Although the surroundings still appear warm and vibrant, something whispers “snow” and “snowfall,” prompting them to prepare for migration. Their instincts and memory of cold guide their decision.

2. What happens to the leaves and berries in the poem?

The leaves are described as green and moving, and the berries are bright and shiny. These are signs of lingering warmth and life in nature, but they contrast with the hidden warning of approaching snow.

3. What changes in nature tell us that winter is near?

Despite the golden fields, green leaves, and fragrant gardens, subtle signs like whispers of “snow,” the tightening of the geese’s wild hearts, and the memory of cold suggest that winter is near. These quiet signals in nature indicate the seasonal shift.

20 additional questions and answers based on the poem:

1. What season is the poem mainly about?

Answer: The poem mainly is about the transition from autumn to winter.

2. What do the golden fields symbolize?

Answer: The golden fields symbolize the lingering warmth and beauty of autumn.

3. Why is “snow” whispered in the poem?

Answer: It symbolizes the quiet arrival of winter.

4. What does the movement of green leaves suggest?

Answer: The movement of green leaves suggest that nature is still alive but beginning to change.

5. What do the berries represent?

Answer: The berries represent the richness of autumn, soon to fade.

6. What is meant by “under warm feathers”?

Answer: Under warm feathers means that the geese are still in comfort but sense the cold approaching.

7. What does “memory of snow” imply?

Answer: Memory of snow” implies that the geese remember past winters and prepare accordingly.

8. Why do the geese’s hearts harden?

Answer: They brace themselves for the challenges of migration and winter.

9. What does “amber spice” refer to?

Answer: “Amber spice” refer to the warm, fragrant atmosphere of autumn gardens.

10. What emotion is conveyed by the geese’s cry?

Answer: A mix of sadness and readiness for change is conveyed by the geese’s cry.

11. What role does instinct play in the poem?

Answer: It guides the geese to leave before winter fully arrives.

12. How does the poem show contrast?

Answer: Between the warm present and the cold future.

13. What is the tone of the poem?

Answer: Reflective and slightly melancholic.

14. What literary device is used in “whispered snow”?

Answer: Personification—snow is given a voice.

15. Why is the poem focused on geese?

Answer: They symbolize migration and seasonal awareness.

16. What does “summer sun on their wings” mean?

Answer: They carry the warmth of summer as they fly into winter.

17. What does “winter in their cry” suggest?

Answer: Their call carries the sorrow and chill of the coming season.

18. How does the poem reflect nature’s rhythm?

Answer: Through the geese’s response to seasonal cues.

19. What message does the poem convey about change?

Answer: Change is inevitable and must be embraced, even when difficult.

20. What is the central idea of the poem?

Answer: Nature’s quiet signals guide creatures to adapt and survive.