With Birds You’re Never Lonely

• Who is the author of 'With Birds You're Never Lonely'?

  Raymond Antrobus
• What is the main theme of 'With Birds You're Never Lonely'?

  The disconnection with the natural world can isolate people
• How does the speaker in the poem experience London?

  The speaker experiences London as noisy and isolating
• What does the speaker notice about the man in the coffee shop?

  The man is sitting alone and reading
• What does the phrase "catch the eye of a man" suggest about the speaker's communication?

  It suggests the use of non-verbal communication
• What memory does the speaker recall when noticing the man reading about trees?

  The speaker recalls a significant event related to trees
• Where did the speaker sit alone in the previous week?

  In Zelandia forest, New Zealand
• How does the speaker describe the Kauri trees in New Zealand?

  The trees are described as "sun-syrupped" and vibrant
• What does the speaker do when the birds land by their feet?

  The speaker turns off their hearing aids
• How does the speaker feel about the silence after turning off their hearing aids?

  The silence is described as comforting and not lonely
• What contrast does Antrobus create between the sounds of the forest and modern London?

  The forest sounds are immersive and comforting, while London sounds are intrusive
• What does the speaker wonder about the trees in the poem?

  The speaker wonders what the trees would say about humans
• What does the speaker recall about a young Maori woman in New Zealand?

  She could identify different bird chirps
• What does the Maori woman imply about being part of nature?

  She implies that being part of nature brings comfort and belonging
• How does the speaker feel about the trees in London compared to those in New Zealand?

  The speaker feels sorry for the lonely trees in London
• What does the last line of the poem suggest about humanity's relationship with nature?

  It suggests that humanity does not respect nature enough
• What are the main themes explored in 'With Birds You're Never Lonely'?

  • Disconnection with the natural world
  • Isolation in urban environments
  • The importance of legacy and family
  • Communication between humans and nature
• How does Antrobus use form and structure in the poem?

  • Written in couplets to signify harmony
  • Disruption of rhythm to highlight disconnection
  • Long and repetitive form conveys legacy and isolation
• What language techniques does Antrobus employ in the poem?

  • Sensory imagery to contrast London and New Zealand
  • Metaphors to convey vibrancy and comfort in nature
  • Auditory language to express isolation and belonging
• What is the significance of the title 'With Birds You're Never Lonely'?

  • Emphasizes the connection between humans and nature
  • Suggests that nature provides companionship
  • Reflects the Maori woman's perspective on belonging
• How does Antrobus convey the impact of urbanization on nature?

  • Contrasts vibrant rural life with grey urban landscapes
  • Highlights the loneliness of trees in London
  • Uses emotive language to express remorse for nature's isolation
• What does the poem suggest about the role of sound in the speaker's experience?

  • Sound can be overwhelming and isolating
  • Silence can be comforting and immersive
  • Communication with nature is significant for belonging
• How does Antrobus reflect his own experiences in 'With Birds You're Never Lonely'?

  • The speaker is deaf, reflecting Antrobus' own condition
  • Explores themes of communication and connection
  • Highlights the importance of nature in his life