This article offers a close reading of Susan Jarvis Bryant’s poem, tentatively titled “Osprey,” focusing on its vivid imagery, complex themes, and the poet’s shifting perspective. Bryant masterfully captures a dramatic moment of nature, inviting readers to contemplate not only the raw beauty of predation but also the observer’s role in interpreting such scenes.
The Hunter and the Observed
The poem opens with a stark depiction of an osprey’s meal: “red in beak and claw,” tearing into “scaly prey with silver skin.” Bryant’s language is visceral, emphasizing the rawness of the scene: “thrashing flesh,” “spiny, hairbreadth bones, / All talon-torn by hunger bared and wild.” The reader is immediately placed in the position of witness, observing this “lofty luncheon feat” with a mixture of “awe and silent, stricken moans.” This initial reaction highlights the inherent tension between our fascination with nature’s power and our discomfort with its brutality.
The second stanza introduces a new layer of complexity: the poet as observer, comparing herself to a “sniper poised to take a shot.” The act of capturing the scene through a camera lens becomes analogous to the osprey’s hunt, both involving a degree of detachment and a pursuit of a “prize.” This parallel raises questions about the ethical implications of observation, turning the lens back onto the poet herself. The “feverish thrill” she describes mirrors the osprey’s predatory instinct, blurring the lines between observer and participant. The shared experience of the hunt, albeit through different means, connects the human and the animal worlds in a surprising way.
A Shift in Perspective
The final stanza marks a significant shift in perspective. As Bryant reviews her photographs, her initial revulsion gives way to appreciation for the osprey’s “majesty—divine design.” The close-up images reveal not just the brutality of the hunt, but also the bird’s “aerial flair,” its “might,” and its “steely will to soar and thrive.” The focus shifts from the act of killing to the inherent beauty and power of the osprey.
This transformation in the poet’s understanding emphasizes the importance of perspective. Initially drawn to the dramatic violence of the scene, Bryant’s closer examination reveals a deeper appreciation for the osprey’s place in the natural world. This realization highlights the power of observation to not only document but also to transform our understanding of the world around us. The poem ultimately invites us to look beyond the surface and to consider the multifaceted nature of both predator and observer.
Conclusion
Bryant’s “Osprey” is a powerful meditation on the complexities of nature and the role of observation in shaping our understanding. Through vivid imagery and a shifting perspective, the poem challenges us to confront our own responses to the natural world, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power that lies within even the most unsettling scenes. It prompts us to consider not just what we see, but how we see, and the transformative potential of looking closer.