The speaker is a father observing his daughter's early attempts at writing from the hallway. He views her creative efforts through the metaphor of a ship setting sail, associating the sounds of her typewriter keys with chains hauling an anchor. He reflects on the difficult path of an artist and the universal human fight for freedom, ultimately realizing he must step back and allow his daughter to face life's challenges on her own.

Based on the poet's real-life daughter, Ellen Wilbur, this young girl is beginning her journey as a writer. She works diligently in her bedroom, typing in bursts of energy followed by periods of silent consideration as she searches for the exact right words. Her physical and mental isolation during the creative process mirrors the broader human effort to gain independence and step into adulthood.

A wild, iridescent bird that accidentally traps itself inside the house. It spends an hour flying around and battering itself against the glass before finally sensing the open window and flying free. The bird's frantic, bloody fight for survival leaves a lasting impression on both the father and the daughter.