
Brian Doyle’s essay, “Joyas Volardores” uses contrasting metaphors to demonstrate how the heart guides one’s life. Application of these metaphors allows the reader to truly connect with the messages within the text. Doyle skillfully incorporates an unconventional style by including improper grammar and punctuation to focus the reader’s attention solely on the content.  Also, readers are able to associate with a piece when the writer’s style is comparable to a typical conversation between two people. The poem’s unconventional style matches the fast paced and irregular heartbeats of both animals and people described in the essay. Doyle’s main concept illustrates that everyone will experience sorrow and heartache in a lifetime but in between these emotions people must embrace the mystery of each new day.

Brian Doyle first introduces his message by describing the delicacy of the heart. “A hummingbird’s heart beats ten times a second. A hummingbird’s heart is the size of a pencil eraser” (Doyle 94).  The heart of a hummingbird is so miniscule; one swift change in direction or impact with another object can overwhelm the bird and lead to death. Many individuals are built like the hummingbird in the sense that they allow the first sign of adversity to overtake them. However, Doyle add that “hearts finally are bruised and scarred, scored and torn, repaired by time and will, patched by force of character… You can brick up your heart as stout and hard and cold and impregnable as you possibly can and down it comes in an instant” (96). The scars are a metaphor for challenging moments encountered in one’s life. Doyle expands on the rapid beating and scars of the hummingbird to also display the vulnerability within each individual. Even if the heart is recovered from a previous difficulty, it can revert to brokenness and despair in a matter of seconds.  Everyone endures obstacles in their life whether it is mental, physical or emotional pain, but it is important for people to be resilient and look forward to each new day. The ability to conquer hardship displays true character and allows people to appreciate joyous moments even more.

The main message of Brian Doyle is further developed in “Joyas Volardores” by explaining how each person has a unique path in life. Beginning at an early age, the choices people make will directly affect their opportunities and attitude in the future. A positive mindset builds a strong foundation to succeed and can direct someone towards a fulfilling journey. Doyle says, “Every creature on earth has approximately two billion heartbeats...You can spend them slowly like a tortoise and live to be two hundred years old, or you can spend them fast like a hummingbird, and live to be two years old” (95). The tortoise symbolizes a person who takes life one day at a time and is not easily distracted when aiming towards a goal. On the other hand, the hummingbird represents someone whose attitude quickly shifts when encountering a challenge. Living life like the hummingbird is a greater challenge as one must limit their extremely high and low points.  Worrying about what the future holds is not beneficial in any form and takes years off of one’s life. People who can relate to the tortoise are more likely to have a smoother path in life because their experiences of heartbreak and despair will mold them into stronger individuals.

Brian Doyle strengthens his essential message within “Joyas Volardores” by describing how everyone should cherish their heart beating. People do not realize how many internal processes and functions are involved in a single heartbeat and that is why many people lack awareness to the fact that it could stop at any moment. Brian Doyle understands firsthand that life is so precious because as people age, they are grateful for the ability to still do simple things they enjoy such as reading and writing. “So much held in a heart in a lifetime. So much held in a heart in a day, an hour, a moment” (Doyle 96). Feelings of joy, anger, disappointment, peace and other emotions race through the heart at any given time and can shock one’s body so it is paramount to manage these emotions in a manner that limits stress. Throughout a lifetime, millions of experiences are stored in the heart and guide people’s future choices. Near death situations often cause a drastic shift in perspective as people become more thankful for each day they are alive to experience happiness with friends and family.

     “Joyas Volardores” is a magnificent essay which reinforces the ideal that all people experience heartbreak and sadness, but the truly resilient individuals overcome these emotions to embrace each new day and experience. Brian Doyle reveals his purpose by comparing the heartbeats of animals that vary drastically in size, shape and demeanor. This comparison demonstrates how people move through life at different paces and the way they handles situations helps determine their lifespan. Everyone has moments of vulnerability, but it is essential to savor those moments and understand that the heart will repair itself. The delicacy of the heart, each person’s unique journey and cherishing each heartbeat are the main ways that Brian Doyle incorporates his underlying message of appreciating life. No value can be placed on both the positive and negative experiences that required one’s self to make a decision. Every choice made develops a person’s identity and the most successful individuals conquer difficult times and embrace the opportunity to take on new challenges. Ultimately, people who draw strength from difficult situations will attain joy in the unique experiences of each day.                    
