The poem
I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.
Self-pity
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Good motivational poem. It makes you think twice about feeling sorry for yourself.
Animals have no ability to feel sorry for themselves like we as humans do. They don't even know what pity is. It makes you think about how weak our species may be...
What a motivated poem...............
A lame deer lived in the woods behind our house for many years. She would hobble into our yard on occasion to graze on our lawn or chew on our shrubbery. She had a number of fawns, and persisted through snow, drought, and barking dogs. I was inspired by the way she carried on and did what she had to do. This poem tells me how she did it.
I am a disabled vet. To many times, I find myself having a Self-Pity-Party, but the words of D. H. Lawrence saved the day. I wish he were still alive, so I could thank him personally.
Would we be better off to be as wild things...without self-knowledge...and without self-pity??? I think not. Does this self-knowledge weaken us? Perhaps.
I believe this particular poem to be an inspiration to me,as a (combat Vietnam veteran), I have felt self-pity towards myself and guilt for making it home and not some of my fellow Ranger brothers who did not. I just read more into this poem than some other people. Thank you.
The worst thing you could do in times of hardship is to sit and sulk feeling sorry for yourself, instead of helping yourself overcome those hardships.
A wonderful one! short and piercing!
D.h lawrence is an amazing poet. His works really make sense to someone like me
I am inspired by this poem because it makes you think about life and all the things we should be greatful for in times of trouble.. . Life is one of them.
This poem was quoted in the movie GI Jane. The chief instructor (played by Viggo Mertensen) quotes it to his trainees near the begining of their training to become Navy SEALs. Later we see that he has a book containing this poem.
It's very appropriate, since warriors certainly can't afford to feel sorry for themselves. It also helps establish the instructor's character - that he is not the stereotypical 'dumb grunt'.
I, too, saw this poem in the movie, "G.I. Jane." I thought it was pretty neat. However, as I look at it now, I wonder...maybe we shouldn't be as concerned about whether a bird has self-pity, but rather why on earth would it just sit there and freeze to death. Referring to comment #8 here ("The worst thing you could do in times of hardship is to sit and sulk feeling sorry for yourself, instead of helping yourself overcome those hardships"), it sounds like the bird did have self-pity because it didn't do anything to help itself overcome its hardship. Hmmm.. interesting thought, don't you think?
this poem really moved me for some reason. it made me think of God and nature and just how spoiled we humans really are. an animal exsists in harmony with nature, yet we cant exsist in harmony with either one.makes you wonder what the bird was doing out in the cold. something that was nessary no doubt.animals are not wastefull and have the most powerfull will to survive. it makes me ashamed to think of all the damage we have done to them and our selves. shame on us...
What to say? It really touched me.
Also, An appropriate poem for the film. The whole film can be defined through it.
I will survive...
Let's share a piece of poem by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Poetry like any other published "paper"/book etc can be interpreted in a variety of ways by every individual. Having had the honor of having a couple of poems published during my high school years I can appreciate the underlying meaning behind a simple sentence. I think Lawrence intended for each person to sit and think about their own lot in life. Self-pity is destructive, and worse yet its self inflicted. After…
Read the whole commentPoetry like any other published "paper"/book etc can be interpreted in a variety of ways by every individual. Having had the honor of having a couple of poems published during my high school years I can appreciate the underlying meaning behind a simple sentence. I think Lawrence intended for each person to sit and think about their own lot in life. Self-pity is destructive, and worse yet its self inflicted. After reading this poem I learned that I have had a pretty decent life and that anything I want to do in my future is certainly within my reach, as long as I dont 'feel sorry for myself'. Hopefully others that read this and take pause to think will find themselves drawing similar conclusions. A great poem from a great poet!!
I loved the movie, this poem fits the spirit of warriors portrayed and the story line. In the real world though, I love the fact that I can go to my heavenly father. Another great author put it very eloquently, "we did not receive a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love, of self discipline". As D.H. Lawrence writes, self-pity, feeling sorry for oneself is very destructive, and ruins the individual.
It really encourages your soul and determination; I saw the picture, is very well focused, and touch me.
I was about to quit everything, have a wife and three sons and no job or income for more than 8 months; after I hear it and read it, it gave me spirit to find more within me in order not to retreat at all...not even a single inch in my life path.
Everyone thinks he/she "understands" this poem. When in reality, since the bird has no concept of analyzing himself in an effort to improve himself, just happens to find himself in the cold. Maybe he didnt migrate soon enough, but nonetheless fails to fly to warmth. Perhaps he is too young to fly or just gave a lack of effort. But what we do not know is whether he did just the opposite and tried in vain as hard as…
Read the whole commentEveryone thinks he/she "understands" this poem. When in reality, since the bird has no concept of analyzing himself in an effort to improve himself, just happens to find himself in the cold. Maybe he didnt migrate soon enough, but nonetheless fails to fly to warmth. Perhaps he is too young to fly or just gave a lack of effort. But what we do not know is whether he did just the opposite and tried in vain as hard as he could to get to warmth. Nonetheless we judge him however we want in order to make sense of the poem. In a way Lawrence wrote this poem such that people can find their own reason for motivation, because we know absolutely nothing of the bird's reason for being there, but somehow come out with a reason that suits our perception of the world. Its kind of how people believe in god, and might have a religion, but only practice "most" of the beliefs but not all. What kind of faith is that. My point is that people do, and believe, what they want regardless of what they are told, just as long as it serves their own progress, or benefit. My evidence of this is from the generic responses from most people. The masses always think they follow truth. But they are just following blindly, not even knowing the difference. But they feel as if they know. It is repulsive. I attend carnegie mellon and i have met the smartest kid i ever knew. but most kids there are just copies of everyone else, just with more accolades. you would believe most of what i just said if i were a published author, and had a ph.d. well maybe if i get one, i will say the same thing. a platform is just that, it raises one dummy out of a whole lot. Did you ever think that a sentence could be put together with a lot of nice sounding words and people would think that the message it was sending was remarkable, simply because the words "sounding" cool to say. I have lived to recognize these tendencies and have the ability to take in everything, then make my judgent on what goes together. Here is the great idea: "Truth is simple."-Linden.... how does this simple poem make you feel. Does it inspire you. Does it make you cry. Come on. You would sh*t in your hand if einstein said it was smart thing to do. But you deny it today, and do it tomorrow. I would like responses, but if you send me anything that says something like " you are just angry" or "you are weird" then i expect it, because most people fear or revere what they can't explain. In essence you are just that small bird, and nothing else because you too cannot fly away from your impulse to think inside the box, instead of excape what is expected of you.
perception of poetry revolves around an individual. For the same reason that we all have different musical interests, and different lives. This poem is very inspirational, and helps many people overcome their harmful quest for self- pity. I believe intelligence can only be measured through presence of a conscience, which you are obviously lacking, so stop trying to be cool, and respect what fellow posters have said.…
Read the whole commentperception of poetry revolves around an individual. For the same reason that we all have different musical interests, and different lives. This poem is very inspirational, and helps many people overcome their harmful quest for self- pity. I believe intelligence can only be measured through presence of a conscience, which you are obviously lacking, so stop trying to be cool, and respect what fellow posters have said. As for my reaction i believe that this poem is highly inspirational, and although it is probably obvious that this is my first time taking an interest in poetry, i thoroughly enjoy considering the different views displayed on this piece, accept the post before mine. Keep being inspired.
Obviously poetry, like any other kind of art, apart from the art of war, is not something that belong to your culture. In Europe we do understand that, even if you keep complaining because in Rome the streets are very tight, ignoring the fact that you are walking on 2000 years old streets. In Venice you pretend the limo at the airport ignoring the fact that in Venice there are not streets as it is in the middle of a…
Read the whole commentObviously poetry, like any other kind of art, apart from the art of war, is not something that belong to your culture. In Europe we do understand that, even if you keep complaining because in Rome the streets are very tight, ignoring the fact that you are walking on 2000 years old streets. In Venice you pretend the limo at the airport ignoring the fact that in Venice there are not streets as it is in the middle of a lagoon.
Even in this case, your comments on D.H. Lawrence and his Self-Pitty are absolutely pathetic. To feel sorry for itself is perfectly natural. Human kind, except from Yankes, have feelings to express. You will never understand poetry if you do not learn to respect other peopls's culture.
why don t you read it again while you have you a Big Mac ?
Every human being shows self pity at one time or another, at different levels. However this poem is very insperational to me because it helps me/people overcome self pity and give strengh to carry on.
I Loved It
Next time you are in a zoo or with a pet look in to it’s eyes, really look close there will be a moment when you will realize that animals have something uncommon with people, that is they are present and can be present to you looking them right in the eyes without any concerns. That is a moment that will not be common with human beings, why? If you know why then you will understand the distinction between Human…
Read the whole commentNext time you are in a zoo or with a pet look in to it’s eyes, really look close there will be a moment when you will realize that animals have something uncommon with people, that is they are present and can be present to you looking them right in the eyes without any concerns. That is a moment that will not be common with human beings, why?
If you know why then you will understand the distinction between Human beings and all other animals.
Lawrence was relating one animal to another however there are 6.4 billion animals refereed to as humans and all 6.4 billion humans share one thing in common that animals do not, that is a conscience… that little voice in your head… that little voice that tells you when some one is looking you in the eyes, “what are they looking at” ”how do I look” “did I do something wrong” that little voice.
Why care why the bird is there or analyze what is known about birds and figure out what has the bird be there, don’t miss the point.
The point is to capture what we all have in common as human beings Self-pity We all take pity on ourselves, and be inspired by what is possible for us given to us by nature.
And if you need to analyze look at what you get out of self pity, why do so many people fell sorry for themselves, why do so many people stay in self-pity and even live their whole life felling sorry for themselves.
simple poem with complex human implications. death awaits us all, whimpering or not. indeed its what we do with our life that counts, not to gain wealth, but ensure the weakest amongest us, their good health. within this chore, one will not find self-pity, and when s/he drops, there will be no feelings of self-sorrow, just sadness from those around you who will miss you as they did the song of that little sparrow. Peace.
There is no need to over-analize this poem,it is simple,humans are flawed always have been and always will be the fact of the matter is the bird is lucky.
It give me and everybody who read it the strength needed in times of troubles. Don't be a crybaby. I believe DHL is not. Do not regret on your misfortune. You still have the rest of your life. Do something with it.
I first heard this beautiful little poem from the film G.I. Jane (the only Demi Moore film that is any good). OK, it was Holywoody, but the good British director balanced things out for the better. Viggo was the one to say it in the film and gave her the poetry book at the end with this poem highlighted - a mark of utmost respect for one who never dwelled in self-pity. The use of a small bird in the poem is all the…
Read the whole commentI first heard this beautiful little poem from the film G.I. Jane (the only Demi Moore film that is any good). OK, it was Holywoody, but the good British director balanced things out for the better. Viggo was the one to say it in the film and gave her the poetry book at the end with this poem highlighted - a mark of utmost respect for one who never dwelled in self-pity.
The use of a small bird in the poem is all the more powerful and was great for the film, because it related to the fact that you don't have to be big and macho to be strong in mind & body.
Poets and other people who are true to themselves have to go beyond things like "self pity", at least when they grow more mature.
Auf Weidersehn.
ps - there still haven't been any female recruits for the Navy Seals. i heard about a British Green Beret one, but she is not allowed to fight in the front lines and is thus unable to seek SAS status.
I saw this poem in the film G.I Jane. The film it self was good but the poem (self pity) gave it depth and meaning so powerful it made me cry. Never thought a film about Navy Seals would make me cry!!!! well done Hollywood for using such a well thought out simple poem that captured my heart.
I really enjoyed this poem.
It made me think about the world around me in a different way. Nowadays people do not notice the really important matters in life, they see things like money or power as primary goals. In my opinion this poem deserves 10/10.
I see many explanations in here regarding this wonderfull poem. While it is true that each person will read and comprehend poetry slightly or vastly defferent from others. I think D.H. Lawrence is making a simple point in a very eloquent manner. The poem is about acceptance. The wild things, and the bird on the branch are accepting of whatever fate may bring. Do they struggle? Sure to last breath. Do they want to…
Read the whole commentI see many explanations in here regarding this wonderfull poem. While it is true that each person will read and comprehend poetry slightly or vastly defferent from others. I think D.H. Lawrence is making a simple point in a very eloquent manner.
The poem is about acceptance. The wild things, and the bird on the branch are accepting of whatever fate may bring. Do they struggle? Sure to last breath. Do they want to survive? YES. But they never complain about it, because complaining is a waste of energy and resources.
Self pity is exactly that, a wastefull exercise that can not and will not improve any situation.
Mr Lawrence is telling us to take a lesson from the wild things of the earth and to not waste time on self pity.
E' vero, un animale non prova pietà per sè stesso ma non ne provae per alcuno e neppure ne chiede per sè. Provare pietà per sè stessi probabilmente è un limite ma rappresenta soprattutto il mezzo tramite il quale sviluppiamo la straordinaria capacità di provare pietà per gli altri e di PERDONARE, questo e niente altro ci rende esseri UMANI. Una vita trascorsa senza conoscere la pietà potrebbe non essere degna di essere vissuta.
This poem speaks to me in so many ways. Its says "You must make it happen." That means YOU! You cannot blame people for your suffering, affliction, and heart ache. Ultimately, you control your destiny. It profits you nothing to wallow in self pity or be defined by past failure.
More than all else, this poem is a call to action. Do what you know to do, shake the inhibitions of this humanity, rely on your instincts. It is the prime directive--- above all else--- fight or die trying.
Simple, smart, and very truthful. I have been through much in my short life; homeless, pregnant at 16, parent at 17, yet successful in the end. I never pitied myself, and my personal life is to be true to myself. I was told that I was wild as a child; hard headed, opinonnated and not willing to be put down. You don't have time in this short world to worry about the woulda, coulda, shoul'das. You have to ride this…
Read the whole commentSimple, smart, and very truthful. I have been through much in my short life; homeless, pregnant at 16, parent at 17, yet successful in the end. I never pitied myself, and my personal life is to be true to myself. I was told that I was wild as a child; hard headed, opinonnated and not willing to be put down. You don't have time in this short world to worry about the woulda, coulda, shoul'das. You have to ride this little red wagon until the wheels fall off. I'm 30 now and have a long way to go, but at least I know that I don't have time to wallow in misery. You can spend your time worrying and praying that all will be right. But feeling self pity only wastes your precious time. Think everything through first, discuss with yourself or friends what you are going through, then make your decision and stick to it. That is what life is all about.
Have a responsible out look, and be true to yourself. Don't wallow in self pity; it will not help you or anyone else.
Truthfully, I doubt that that is true "never .. wild thing sorry for itself" - it is said that a dog has a mind of a child about 3-5 years old... and they feel self -pity.
Yet, the idea he expresses is Damn Right!!! I have it in my "best quotes" file.
THE MEANING OF THE POEM AS USED IN THE MOVIE, G.I.JANE WAS A MOTIVATIONAL TOOL USED TO TRAIN NAVY SEALS TO COMPLETE SEAL TRAINING IN PREPERATION OF REAL WORLD OPERATIONS THAT MAY FAR EXCEED THE PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS OF TRAINING.
ANYTIME YOU THINK THE DEMANDS OF LIFE ARE TO ROUGH, THINK BACK TO SEPT 11, 2001 ATTACK ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER WHERE SOME PEOPLE WERE FACED THE THE PROSPECT OF BURNING TO DEATH OR JUMPING. REMEMBER THOSE THAT JUMPED RATHER THAN BURN TO DEATH. THINK ABOUT THAT BEFORE FEELING SORRY FOR ONESELF.
Viggo Mortensen deserves a lot of credit...i think at least. The use and meaning of the poem Self-Pity by D.H. Lawrence was used to perfection in G.I. Jane. We all know the importance of a great poetic style of reading and Viggo pretty much knocked it out of the park! Only a handful of people can pull this one off in such a perfect way.
This Poem helped my daughter fight stage 4 colon cancer when she felt self pity she would say it to her self.
This poem is by far the simplest poem I have ever read in my life....yet....it has such an impact. Unfortunately, many people these days (including me a while back) get to such a level of self pity that they end up doing very little to help their problems, blaming anyone they can around them, not taking responsability for their own destiny. This poem truly is a piece of inspirational material that everyone must keep close to them. I've put it on my wallpaper on my Ipaq!!! Everyday I'm reminded of how self-pity is truly a self-destructive emotion!!!
i was looking this poem many times fortunaly today i can pound it i am so proud about it it is really hard i am trying to keep it my self i remember this kind of self in my reality thanks a lot to those how are interested in poetry
This poem is truly beautiful to me; not just because of it's simplicity and eloquence, but because of it's insight. Life is so short, spending its precious moments in self pity only works to belie its true purpose...to live. A live without enrichment, without risk, without love, and with regret is a life left unlived.
Living is an end unto itself.
I really like the poem. It is a simple and reflective statment on self-pity. In stating the obvious, I think that the poem challenges us to reflect on the idea that a wild thing CANNOT have self-pity because of its inability to appreciate the future and make choices based on it. The wild thing just deals with the circumstance as best it can without contemplating any future. I'm sure the little bird was ruffling its…
Read the whole commentI really like the poem. It is a simple and reflective statment on self-pity.
In stating the obvious, I think that the poem challenges us to reflect on the idea that a wild thing CANNOT have self-pity because of its inability to appreciate the future and make choices based on it. The wild thing just deals with the circumstance as best it can without contemplating any future.
I'm sure the little bird was ruffling its feathers as it got colder and colder. It probably tucked its little head deep in its little feathery down. Maybe it moved closer to a leaf to get out of the cold wind. But, as the poem makes us relfect on for our benefit, it never thought about dying. It never thought of giving up just because it could not appreciate the future.
For us, I think the "cold" in this poem is the freezing grip of self-pity. Unlike a wild thing, however, appreciating the future and making choices is what makes us human. We create the "cold" and as such should recognize when it is coming. We cannot give up this part of us that creates the self-pity; to do so would also be to give up the ability to hold purpose and hope. But, we can remember that little bird when we find ourselves pondering an inevitability and see the cold coming. And, like the little bird we will remember to not give up! But, like a human, we will hold onto purpose and hope, and decide to move from the cold.
D H Lawrence's poem describes my Father to me. My father fought a long stoic battle against chronic illness, he finally lost a battle with cancer. My Father like the small bird never felt sorry for himself and was one of the most optimistic and strong souls I have had the privilage to know. I intend to read this poem at his service to tell everyone how strong he was.
It seems when poetry is used in movies, awareness of the poet/poem increase. Check out "Brown Penny" by Yeats (movie connection). The wild thing in line one also has many meanings beyond the bird. I think there could be something said about those that kill, as in crazy killers--and I am NOT comparing killers to soldiers (too many of my family have served in the military with honor). Ever notice when most crazy…
Read the whole commentIt seems when poetry is used in movies, awareness of the poet/poem increase. Check out "Brown Penny" by Yeats (movie connection).
The wild thing in line one also has many meanings beyond the bird. I think there could be something said about those that kill, as in crazy killers--and I am NOT comparing killers to soldiers (too many of my family have served in the military with honor). Ever notice when most crazy killers, for example Charles Manson, are interviewed they always claim they killed for a good reason, or it was the other person's fault; there is no ownership for the act of killing.
Many of the comments posted are so well-written. For the critics, and those that lack thinking beyond the literal, why not keep an open mind? Like someone posted--poetry is many things. I was really touched by the former soldiers comments, and found it interesting that this poem really is used as part of the S.E.A.L. training.
How do we know the bird did not feel sorry for itself?
Anyone who has ever had a puppy or a dog knows this.
About this poem I can only say that this man was one hell of a writer.
A two-line poem with so much depth, and words that is so powerful.
Every time I face a hard decision in my life, I refer to this poem for
inspiration and comfort. It has even helped me in this time of my life,
getting through the feeling of a great loss. Lawrence was not just a poet
but an artist with typewriter and paper as his pallet. Expressions like
wordsmith would not even begin to describe his talent.
I think this poem has many meanings and values that could be derived from it. One that is most important is how self-pity is a creation of man. As people we create many feelings and emotions that make us hurt, or even times mentally unstable, and for what reason. It is not necessary! Self-pity, greed, jealousy have no reason to exist.
I hear this poem from an American film named "G.I.Jane",after I read it many times, I found I like it so much, everyone are self-pity on conscious or subconsious, I don't think it's unnecessary thing, becase the whole life is consists with all those little feelings and thought, as well as happy and pleasure......
At times we confuse self-pity with real inability to tolerate pain.. At times we are really too bruised and hurt to move on with other lives, but people accuse us of self-pity and keep pushing to "let go".. And then we have to cut a piece of us that we cherished so dearly - and we somehow do it "wildly" because it's the only way to move on.... That's the way I see it..
Self-pity invites us to think that God is uncaring or unknowing as to our plight, that we need to work things out for ourselves rather that trust in His goodness to bring joy and victory in spite of circumstances. While it is human nature to visit Pity City once in a while, it never pays to take up residence there.
This poem is symbolic in many aspects, but what it hits me hard is that no matter how unimportant one can be in this mundane world, he should fulfill his reason d'etre in the time that is given to him without questioning! What really matters when he is dirt is that whether he could become a 'man' enough to stay where he is supposed to be until the end!
the story sounds good but short
Two-sided Sword
The 'higher' power of reasoning brings with it both positive and negative aspects to the human species. But isn't that the yin and the yang? Self-pity is destructive but enduring and perservering provides insight in assisting others suffering the afliction.
I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself."-- D.H. Lawrence
I have been intrigued by this poem. The title is self-pity but my interpretation is the complete opposite.
Wild thing=unique individual
Meaning, I never saw a unique individual sorry for itself/I never saw a special individual being sorry for one self. Even a small individual (as perceived by others) will “create a statement” without ever having felt sorry for one self…
self pity by D H Lawrence
beautful use of poetry in G I Jane, great reading interesting use by the writer the Master Chief trys to prepare the men to become brave and hard in the face of pain and death reminds me of Tiger Woods training by his Dad who was a Green Beret
poem: wild thing...
Navy seals are among the best trained forces in the world. Self pity is not one of the ingredients that makes them what they are. The Lawrence Poem reflets that message. When you need us we will be there for you.
I guess had I not seen the poem or heard of the poem on the movie G I Jane I would of never known it existed. It is amazing how authors of words wether poem or books seem to leave us with such awe at how they can put into words something that can become such a profound moment in our lives. No matter how long or short either poem or novel we are moved by the author, and I do so wonder if they ever felt they would…
Read the whole commentI guess had I not seen the poem or heard of the poem on the movie G I Jane I would of never known it existed. It is amazing how authors of words wether poem or books seem to leave us with such awe at how they can put into words something that can become such a profound moment in our lives. No matter how long or short either poem or novel we are moved by the author, and I do so wonder if they ever felt they would ever make such a difference in peoples lives just by their words on paper for all to see and read. Words are very powerful, and when used correctly can just make a difference in our lives especially at the time they are read. Each poem or novel means something different to the reader. Each of us have life experiences that relate, or remind us of what the poem or novel means to us. It is a reflection of our own souls.............wow how amazing and wonderful the tallent of those that can use words in such a way to creat such a difference in our lives.