I say, stay in there, I'm not going / to let anybody see / you
-- Speaker (Lines 4 - 6)

Importance: This quote represents the protective nature Bukowski extends over his inner vulnerability and the way he yearns to shield his bluebird from the harshness of the outside world. Bukowski implies that something negative will happen to the bluebird if he is seen by other people, a metaphor for his fear of being seen for who he is and not accepted.

I only let him out / at night sometimes
-- Speaker (Lines 28 - 29)

Importance: These two lines within the poem help readers to understand how cautious Bukowski is about revealing his bluebird and the extensive considerations he takes to protect him and his secrecy. The nighttime allows him to experience a modicum of freedom because he can acknowledge the bluebird but he does not need to reveal his secret to a wider audience. The motif of night is also significant because it relates...