Narrator, “Grief”
The narrator of this poem recalls how he once knew a sailor who experienced tremendous grief when his wife died. The narrator initially does not understand why the old sailor grieves as he does, and in fact feels embarrassed for his old sailor friend. As he grows older, however—and perhaps experiences his own sorrows and tragedy—the narrator begins to realize that there is not guidebook for grief. In this way, the narrator represents understanding and empathy. For some reason, on this particular morning, the narrator suddenly relates to his old grieving sailor friend and suddenly understands that grief is an indescribably complicated emotion—one that does not manifest the same in everyone.
Old Sailor, “Grief”
The only other character in “Grief,” the old sailor that the narrator discusses plays a pivotal role in this poem. All that is known about this character is that his wife died and when this happens, he expressed his grief by calling out her name, setting a place for her at the dining room table, and opening up the windows to let fresh air in for her. This character captures the deep sorrow that is ingrained within the emotion of grief. He also shows how—to the narrator’s benefit—grief can manifest itself in strange ways. Finally, the old sailor typifies the idea that grief does not feel embarrassment or regret. Though other sailors felt embarrassed by the old man’s grieving antics, he did not care, for he was working through his loss and sorrows. As a result, the old sailor embodies the complex emotion that is grief.
Narrator, “Happiness”
The narrator in this poem is sitting near the window early in the morning, drinking coffee, and thinking through those typically basic and simple morning thoughts. The narrator’s mood and mindset changes, however, when he sees two young boys—presumably friends—delivering papers together. Even from his window, and in spite of the early hour and the cold weather, the boys exude happiness. The narrator picks up on this joy and can’t help but adopt it, himself. In this way, the narrator of the poem then embarks upon a short contemplative experience regarding the complexity yet simplicity of happiness. He appreciates the fact that these two boys give him great—albeit temporary—joy. As a result, the narrator of this poem leads readers through his contemplative journey about happiness and joy.
The Boy and His Friend, “Happiness”
Very little is known about these two characters. It is supplied by the narrator that they are clothed in caps and sweaters. One—it is unclear which one—holds a bag over his shoulder. Despite their vague descriptions, these two boys are integral to the plot of this short poem. The narrator watches as they deliver papers. They are very happy and content with each other’s presence. Their happiness is contagious and actually provides the drive the narrator’s contemplation on happiness. In this way, though these two boys remain unnamed and with few descriptions, they are the reason that the narrator finds such happiness on this particular. Their joy is contagious and thus causes the narrator to ponder the meaning of happiness.
Narrator, “Hummingbird”
The narrator of this very short poem explains how he is contemplating sending a letter to his summer love. The letter will contain nothing more than the word “hummingbird,” and will—he is sure—remind his love of the summer memories they shared together. The narrator specifically does not share the meaning behind this word. And yet, it is clear that—somehow—this word holds great meaning for his beloved. In this way, the narrator of this poem serves to remind the reader how a single word can hold incredible shared memories and can remind two people of specific moments in their lives. Though this age is never stated, it can be assumed the narrator is likely young and still engaged in childhood flirtations.
Narrator’s Love, “Hummingbird”
Very little is known about the narrator’s summer love. What is clear is that this woman shared a love-filled summer with the narrator—something pertaining to the word “hummingbird.” In many ways, this unnamed woman is the object of the narrator’s affections and, subsequently, the subject of the poem. Though it remains unclear why the narrator and this unknown woman are no longer together, it is clear from the poem that the narrator still wishes to maintain a relationship with her. In short, this woman provides the drive for this poem and has had some form of summer relationship with the narrator.
