Old age is
a flight of small
cheeping birds
skimming
bare trees
above a snow glaze.
Gaining and failing
they are buffeted
by a dark wind—
But what?
On harsh weedstalks
the flock has rested,
the snow
is covered with broken
seedhusks
and the wind tempered
by a shrill
piping of plenty.
What is the theme of this poem?
Elderly people should not go outside in snowy and windy weather.
Elderly people should live life fully despite the difficulties of old age.
For young people, life is full of challenges.
Young birds should not try to fly during strong winds.
Elderly people should live life fully despite the difficulties of old age.
The theme of this poem is "Elderly people should live life fully despite the difficulties of old age."
To determine the theme of a poem, it is important to analyze the text and identify recurring ideas, imagery, or symbols. In this particular poem, the imagery of "old age" is central. The poem describes a scene where small birds are flying above snow-covered trees in challenging weather conditions.
Based on this description, the theme of the poem can be interpreted as the resilience and perseverance of elderly individuals, despite the inevitable challenges and hardships they face in old age. The poem suggests that rather than being discouraged by the difficulties, elderly people should continue to embrace life fully, symbolized by the "piping of plenty" amidst the snow and broken seedhusks.
Therefore, the correct theme of this poem is "Elderly people should live life fully despite the difficulties of old age."