“Migration” by W. S. Merwin: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

“Migration” by W. S. Merwin, appeared in his book The Compass Flower (1977, Alfred A. Knopf), and was found in the collection The Essential W.S. Merwin, (2017, Copper Canyon Press), embodying a sense of restless movement and transformation, mirroring the natural world’s cycles of change. Merwin’s language is spare and evocative, capturing the stark beauty of landscapes and the emotional weight of leaving one place for another. The poem’s central theme explores the universal human experience of migration, both physical and metaphorical, and the accompanying feelings of loss, hope, and uncertainty. “Migration” resonates with readers due to its timeless message about the constant flux of life and the enduring search for belonging.

Text: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

Prayers of many summers come
to roost on a moment
until it sinks under them
and they resume their journey
flying by night
with the sound
of blood rushing in an ear

Annotations: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

Line	Annotation
Prayers of many summers come	Suggests accumulated hopes or wishes over time, personified as prayers.
to roost on a moment	These hopes or prayers settle temporarily, implying a brief pause or rest.
until it sinks under them	The moment cannot sustain the weight of all these prayers, leading to its collapse.
and they resume their journey	The prayers or hopes continue onward, indicating persistence or the ongoing nature of longing.
flying by night	Implies a journey through darkness or uncertainty, often associated with subconscious or unseen efforts.
with the sound	Introduces an auditory element, focusing on the experience of this journey.
of blood rushing in an ear	Evokes an intimate, internal sound, suggesting the personal and intense nature of the journey or the weight of emotions.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Prayers of many summers” / “sound of blood”	The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “summers” and “sound” and the ‘b’ sound in “blood” emphasizes continuity and intensity.
Enjambment	Lines 1-2: “Prayers of many summers come / to roost on a moment”	The sentence continues without a pause beyond the end of a line, creating a sense of flow and movement.
Imagery	“flying by night”	Creates a visual image of a nocturnal journey, evoking feelings of mystery and uncertainty.
Metaphor	“Prayers of many summers come to roost”	Compares prayers to birds that come to rest, suggesting a temporary pause in a long journey.
Personification	“Prayers of many summers”	Gives human attributes to prayers, implying they have been accumulating and traveling over time.
Simile	“with the sound / of blood rushing in an ear”	Compares the sound of the journey to the internal and intimate sound of blood rushing, highlighting personal intensity.
Symbolism	“night”	Night often symbolizes darkness, the unknown, or subconscious thoughts, adding depth to the idea of the journey.
Assonance	“Prayers of many summers come”	Repetition of the ‘u’ sound in “summers” and “come,” creating a musical quality and linking the words sonically.
Consonance	“Prayers of many summers” / “roost on a moment”	The repetition of consonant sounds, particularly the ‘r’ and ‘m’ sounds, enhances the rhythm and unity of the lines.
Hyperbole	“Prayers of many summers”	Exaggerates the duration to emphasize the accumulation of hopes and wishes over a long period.

Themes: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

1. The Cyclical Nature of Time and Life: The poem opens with “prayers of many summers,” suggesting the accumulation of hopes, desires, and experiences over time. The image of prayers coming “to roost on a moment” evokes a sense of culmination and pause, as if time itself briefly halts to accommodate the weight of accumulated prayers. However, the moment “sinks under them,” emphasizing the transient nature of time and the inevitability of change. This cycle mirrors the natural world, where seasons shift and life undergoes constant transformation.
2. The Journey of Migration and Its Challenges: The central metaphor of migration is evident in the lines “and they resume their journey/ flying by night.” This journey, undertaken under the cover of darkness, symbolizes both physical and metaphorical migrations. It alludes to the challenges and uncertainties faced by migrants as they navigate unfamiliar territories, often in secrecy and with a sense of urgency. The phrase “flying by night” evokes a sense of danger and the unknown, as migrants leave behind the familiar in pursuit of a better future.
3. The Emotional and Physical Toll of Migration: The visceral image of “the sound/of blood rushing in an ear” conveys the physical and emotional toll of migration. The sound of blood rushing suggests a heightened state of awareness, perhaps due to fear or anxiety. It also hints at the physical exertion and potential dangers faced during the journey. This auditory imagery adds a layer of sensory depth to the poem, allowing readers to empathize with the visceral experience of migration.
4. The Resilience and Hope of Migrants: Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the poem also speaks to the resilience and hope of migrants. The fact that the prayers “resume their journey” indicates a determination to persevere, even in the face of adversity. The image of flying, although fraught with risk, also suggests a sense of freedom and possibility. The poem ultimately offers a message of hope, acknowledging the hardships of migration while celebrating the enduring spirit of those who embark on such journeys.

Literary Theories and “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

Literary Theory	Application to “Migration”	References from the Poem
Ecocriticism	– Examines the relationship between nature and humans.	“Prayers of many summers come / to roost on a moment” – The imagery of prayers coming to rest like birds suggests a natural cycle.
	– Analyzes how nature is depicted and its significance in human experiences.	“flying by night” – Represents a natural, instinctual journey, aligning human experiences with those of migratory birds.
	– Focuses on environmental themes and the interconnectedness of life.	“until it sinks under them” – Suggests the impact of accumulated actions (prayers) on the environment (the moment).
Psychoanalytic Theory	– Explores the unconscious mind, desires, and internal conflicts.	“flying by night / with the sound / of blood rushing in an ear” – The journey at night with the intimate sound evokes subconscious thoughts and inner emotions.
	– Investigates how repressed emotions and thoughts surface in symbolic language.	“Prayers of many summers” – Could represent long-held desires or unresolved issues manifesting over time.
	– Analyzes symbols and metaphors as expressions of inner psychological states.	“to roost on a moment” – A fleeting rest or resolution, hinting at temporary peace in the midst of ongoing conflicts.
Existentialism	– Focuses on themes of existence, meaning, and the human condition.	“until it sinks under them / and they resume their journey” – Highlights the perpetual search for meaning and the transient nature of moments.
	– Examines the human experience of isolation and the quest for purpose.	“Prayers of many summers” – Represents the accumulation of existential questioning and seeking over time.
	– Analyzes the individual’s confrontation with the absurdity and unpredictability of life.	“with the sound / of blood rushing in an ear” – Suggests an acute awareness of existence and the intense, personal experience of living.

Critical Questions about “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

• What is the significance of the opening line, “Prayers of many summers come”?
• The phrase “prayers of many summers” suggests a collective yearning accumulated over time, possibly referencing generations of migrants who have embarked on similar journeys. This opening line raises questions about the historical and cultural context of migration, prompting readers to consider the long-standing patterns of human movement and the enduring hope for a better life. The poem invites us to reflect on the shared experiences of those who have come before and the intergenerational nature of migration.
• How does the imagery of birds “flying by night” contribute to the poem’s meaning?
• The image of birds flying by night evokes a sense of mystery, danger, and the unknown. It raises questions about the motivations behind migration and the risks involved in leaving one’s homeland. The nocturnal journey suggests a clandestine or desperate flight, highlighting the vulnerability and resilience of migrants. It also alludes to the instinctive nature of migration, as birds follow their innate drive to seek out new environments and resources.
• What is the symbolic meaning of the “sound of blood rushing in an ear”?
• This visceral auditory image invites multiple interpretations. It could symbolize the physical exertion and potential danger of migration, as the migrants’ bodies strain and their hearts race with fear and anticipation. Alternatively, it could represent the emotional turmoil and heightened awareness experienced during the journey, as migrants grapple with the uncertainty of their future and the memories of their past. The sound of blood rushing could also allude to the shared humanity of migrants, emphasizing the universal experience of fear, hope, and longing.
• How does the poem’s ending contribute to its overall message?
• The poem concludes with the migrants resuming their journey, suggesting that the cycle of migration is ongoing and that the pursuit of a better life is a continuous struggle. The open-ended nature of the ending leaves room for interpretation, prompting readers to consider the various outcomes that could await the migrants. Does their journey lead to a successful arrival and a new beginning, or does it result in further hardship and disappointment? The poem does not offer a definitive answer, but rather invites reflection on the complex and multifaceted nature of migration and its impact on individuals and communities.

Literary Works Similar to “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

1. “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W.B. Yeats: Similarities: Like “Migration,” this poem explores themes of change, time, and the fleeting nature of moments. It uses natural imagery, particularly swans, to reflect on aging and the passage of time.
2. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost: Similarities: Both poems evoke a sense of journey and contemplation. Frost’s poem uses winter imagery and a moment of pause to explore themes of solitude, nature, and the passage of time.
3. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Similarities: This modernist poem, like “Migration,” delves into existential themes and the search for meaning. It employs introspective narration and fragmented imagery to portray a sense of uncertainty and longing.
4. “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats: Similarities: Yeats’s poem reflects on memory, time, and unfulfilled desires. It shares with “Migration” a contemplative tone and uses natural imagery to evoke emotions related to aging and loss.
5. “To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Similarities: Shelley’s poem celebrates the beauty and freedom of the skylark, much like Merwin’s use of bird imagery in “Migration.” Both poems explore the idea of transcendence and the spirit of perpetual movement.

Suggested Readings: “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

1. Merwin, W. S. Migration: New & Selected Poems. Copper Canyon Press, 2005.
2. Poets.org. “W. S. Merwin.” Academy of American Poets, www.poets.org/poet/w-s-merwin. Accessed 20 June 2024.
3. Gray, Jeffrey. “The Lost Steps: WS Merwin and the Journey Backward.” Reading WS Merwin in a New Century: American and European Perspectives. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2023. 61-75.

Representative Quotations of “Migration” by W. S. Merwin

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspectives
“Prayers of many summers come to roost on a moment”	The poem opens with this line, suggesting accumulated hopes or wishes settling briefly.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Analyzes the subconscious desires and emotions represented by prayers.
“until it sinks under them / and they resume their journey”	Reflects on the transient nature of moments and the continuous journey of hopes or prayers.	Existentialism: Explores the fleeting nature of meaningful moments and the perpetual quest for purpose.
“flying by night / with the sound / of blood rushing in an ear”	Describes the nocturnal journey with an intimate auditory experience.	Ecocriticism: Examines the natural imagery and its symbolic significance in human experiences.
“Prayers of many summers”	Represents the accumulation of prayers over time, personified.	Symbolism: Interprets prayers as symbols of human desires and aspirations.
“with the sound / of blood rushing in an ear”	Evokes a visceral, personal experience during the journey.	New Criticism: Focuses on the poem’s language and imagery to understand its emotional impact and symbolism.