The Themes of Breeding and Sexual Reproduction

"The Satyr’s Heart" pulsates with the recurring motifs of breeding and sexual reproduction. These themes emerge vividly from the outset, as satyrs—those mythological beings symbolic of lust and primal desires—take center stage in Kelly's narrative. Associated with Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, these creatures are steeped in ancient Greek and Roman lore, often portrayed with unabashed virility. Kelly’s vibrant imagery of flowers in the throes of "breeding," birds engaging in clandestine "tricks," the wind "fingering" twigs, and enigmatic, furry creatures indulging in their mysterious rituals, all underscore the poem’s celebration of animal sexuality as a cornerstone theme.

The Virtue of Procreative Sexuality

Within the poem’s lush tapestry, this generative sexuality is painted as a noble force, a vital wellspring of life energy that nourishes and sustains the "sweet sad earth." The garden or orchard’s idyllic charm appears to bloom directly from this fertile procreation. The poem even hints at the intriguing notion that the headless satyr statue might possess a heart, or be animated with life by this very animal sexuality, stitching the intricate fabric of existence beneath its stony exterior. Here, sexuality transcends mere pleasure; its essence is rooted in fertility and the relentless dance of reproduction. Kelly suggests that the enduring vitality and abundance of the world hinge on the persistent endeavor of sexual procreation.

Kelly's poem paints a vivid journey of the speaker's quest for "bravery." As the verses unfold, it becomes evident that this elusive trait is discovered in the humble creatures that "sew the sweet sad earth." The poem provocatively contrasts these creatures with flowers, traditionally tied to human ideals like faith and wisdom, yet portrayed as lacking true bravery. Their grandeur and immaculate beauty are depicted as hollow. It is the raw, primal instincts of living beings that weave the tapestry of existence and sculpt the world around us.

The Symbolism of the Heart

This bravery is intricately linked to the poem's title. The heart, a classic emblem of courage, valor, and passion, aligns with the portrayal of the raw, instinctual bravery exemplified by animal reproduction—a hallmark trait of satyrs. "The Satyr's Heart" thus symbolizes the untamed courage of these creatures that fearlessly stitch the essence of life. Yet, beneath the surface, there is an unsettling quality to this bravery. Kelly hints at a disquieting truth, perhaps suggesting that this is the only form of courage left in the modern world, tinged with something sordid or discomforting.

The poem's irony deepens, with the speaker noting early on that the satyr lacks a heart altogether, raising the possibility that this courage and passion might be mere illusions. Kelly's use of "Uncovering what is brave" might indeed be a sardonic nod to the elusive nature of true bravery.

Kelly's poem dances around concepts of divinity and spirituality without naming them outright, much like it skirts around reason and philosophy. The line, “His neck rises to a dull point, points upward / To something long gone, elusive,” whispers of such thoughts. Here, the word "elusive" acts as a crucial clue, hinting that Kelly's focus transcends the mere satyr’s head to delve into realms of the intellect or the celestial. A missing statue's head signifies absence, but "elusive" hints at intangibility, as if Kelly is seeking something tied to cognition or the heavens. Grounded below the satyr’s neck are the earthy, instinctual beings, the flora and fauna giving life to the world. In contrast, those distant, elusive elements soaring towards the sky and intellect might symbolize abstract notions like consciousness and...