In both "The wild honeysuckle" and "the indian burying ground", the poet Philip. M. Freneau deals with the theme of nature through contemplation of life and death cycles.
In the former, Freneu describes a beautiful flower which blossomed in a secluded place <em>"by Nature's will"</em>. He praises its appearance, as he laments in anticipation of her fall <em>"smit with those charms, that must decay, I grieve to see your future doom".</em> Towards the end, Freneut lets the readers compare themselves to his flower in both taking nothing to the afterlife and having limited time while alive <em>"If nothing once, you nothing lose, For when you die you are the same he space between is but an hour, The frail duration of flower</em>".
Through this poem, Freneut makes a contrast with the popular attitude of his time reflecting of high ambition and a sense of permanence inspired by the newly approved constitution for the young confederated union of states .
In the latter, the poet takes sides with native Amerindian ideas about burial ceremonies being a celebration as opposed to European's sad funerals. He argues that the Indian burying their dead standing upright may <em>"Bespeak the nature of the soul, Activity, that knows no rest"</em> a much happier take than the Christian manner which <em>"Points out the soul's eternal sleep"</em>.
Through this poem, Freneut opposes popular attitudes of the time which discriminated Indian ways in favor of Western ones. He even calls for respect as he warns the readers should <em>"No fraud upon the dead commit— Observe the swelling turf, and say They do not lie, but here they sit" .</em>
