Narrator, “By Morning”
The narrator of this poem is observing a small, sleepy-town community from an insider perspective. The narrator comments on the fact that a recent, overnight snowfall has transformed the town into an idyllic scene, as if from a painting. The narrator, likely a female, given the author’s gender, uses the word “we’ll” in the very last stanza of the poem, implying that she is a part of this community and will be sharing in the youthful joy and innocence of the recent snowfall.
Narrator, “Deciding”
The narrator of this poem likely represents author May Swenson, who was openly gay and advocated for the needs and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this poem, the narrator reflects upon her internal struggle with accepting her sexuality openly and without fear. She goes back and forth with herself, wondering how she can keep burying her true sexuality, and if it will even allow itself to be buried. In the end, she concludes that her sexuality is fierce and powerful and cannot be controlled—no matter how intently she tries.
Outsiders, “Deciding”
In this poem, the narrator describes many outside individuals in a non-specific way. Referencing these people as “they” or “them,” these outsiders likely represent the greater, small-minded population, who aim to shame the narrator—Swenson—for her sexuality. In this way, these outsiders represent oppressive populations of individuals who would aim to shame the narrator for her genuine sexuality and who have prompted the narrator to attempt to hide her true feelings.
Narrator, “Water Picture”
The narrator of this poem observes and describes the scene from an outside perspective. The narrator plays a rather minor role in this poem, as he or she simply conveys simple information about the idyllic scenery in the poem’s setting. He or she does not pass judgement on the scenery, nor comment on it.
Arched Bridge, “Water Picture”
Given the mildly absurdist nature of this poem, the arched bridge, which features prominently in the second stanza, represents one of the main characters. This poem is told from the perspective of the arched bridge, which the narrator describes as an eye—with one half of the eye above the water and the other half reflected in the water. In this way, the arched bridge is able to observe the scenes around it and reflect upon the beauty that it is immersed in. In short, the actions of this poem—the movement of the water, the swaying of leaves in the wind, the scenes of swans swimming together—are all observed by the arched bridge, who is immersed in the scene.
Narrator, “The Woods at Night”
The narrator of this poem is an outside observer, who is conveying information about the nighttime woods to the reader. Though the gender of the narrator is unclear, it can be assumed that this outside observer represents the author, May Swenson.
Owl, “The Woods at Night”
Though the owl that is featured in this poem does not speak or convey any thoughts, it is arguably the main character, as it is the entire focus of the narrator’s narrations and observations. The owl in this poem is described as a keen hunter and patient observer. Similarly, the owl is painted with a slightly dark and mysterious tone, as it is one of the only birds to hunt at night, while most other winged creatures are fast asleep. In this way, the owl in this poem is represented as a skilled and potentially dangerous bird of prey, whose nighttime hunting grounds are distinctly different from those of most other birds.
