In "Speaks the Nightbird," the author Robert R. McCammon explores the complexity of love, contrasting possessive affection with a more profound sense of care. He suggests that love rooted in the desire to own someone is merely a reflection of self-interest. This perspective prompts a reevaluation of what true love should embody.

The narrator perceives authentic love as a liberating force, akin to freeing a nightbird from its confinement. He believes that such love transcends personal gain and instead aims for the well-being and freedom of others, highlighting the importance of empathy and selflessness in genuine relationships.