At first, Richard Wilbur uses the voyage of a ship to symbolize his daughter's upcoming life. She is growing up and becoming independent as she does her work alone. She is beginning to write her own story as she explores the world outside the comfort of her home and nurture of her parents. Her father remains outside of her bedroom because she must learn to solve her problems without him. The light breaks like waves and windows are tossed like a boat in the rough ocean. The sound of the typewriter keys is similar to a chain hauled over a gunwale, which is part of a vessel. She is still young, but she has already carried some heavy cargo or has experienced burdens in life. Her father hopes that she has a happy journey as she sails through life.
However, both Wilbur and his daughter reject this comparison to a ship and think that a trapped bird trying to escape is a more accurate symbol. A ship's voyage is too simple and easy to be a symbol of her life, which is more complicated than a smooth journey across the ocean. The family watches rather than helps the bird, which struggles to find its own way out of the room. The daughter will experience fear in unknown places. However, it shows that her family will always be there to help her during the most difficult times, even when she thinks she is alone. The bird seems helpless as it hits the floor and wall yet it is beautiful in its determination to free itself. Everyone shares in the happiness of the bloody and bumped bird when it finally flies into the world. Wilbur remembers that problems seem as important as life or death situations at her young age. Thus, he even more strongly wishes her fortune in life because she will encounter great difficulties like the bird and will hopefully be as successful in overcoming them.
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