A seagull named Jonathan Livingston Seagull, irritated by the constant disputes over food, is the book's protagonist. He pushes himself and absorbs all his knowledge about flying after becoming enamored with flight. He eventually leaves the flock due to his growing unwillingness to fit in. He lives a quiet and content life as an outcast, learning new things and becoming more proud of his skills.

The poem walks the reader through all the aspects of a woman the speaker is missing. His longing for her overwhelms him, making him feel like he is starving to death.  Neruda describes that hunger using several metaphors, similes, and hyperbolic language. The poem closes with a simile comparing the poet to a puma scavenging through the jungle for food.

Why was I bound to be born in this situation? Why is it so difficult for me to achieve my goals? Why?  Let's face it; if we fail, we have always resorted to placing the blame elsewhere. We shouldn't take that not everyone has it easy as an excuse not to push ourselves to great heights. Whatever situation we were born into, we can always control how we will live.

Living a fulfilled and happy life requires having happy thoughts. I sincerely hope that listening to this poem would inspire you to put yourself above the unpleasant things in life.