Upon witnessing her canary's death as a child, the poet was not initially overcome with "tears or sadness," but rather focused on the "fitness" of the canary's burial. However, as an adult, she goes through a profound mourning experience:
Unaware that death would bring such difficulty
Afterward, dark and lacking form or aim.
Following my initial true sorrow, I cried, felt sadness, was engulfed in darkness,...
Once her mourning concluded, she reflected on her youthful reaction to the canary's passing. She believes that her first reaction displayed wisdom, despite its apparent insensitivity. She perceives all human existence as a form of play, with death symbolizing a farewell ceremony:
The yellow bird lingers in my thoughts, and I remark
That the child may be insensitive yet wise, understanding the essence of play.
