Write

By Henry Lawson

Narrative Poem
    Clerk, corresponding,     Rooster and Comb,     Here I sit idle     Thinking of home;     I must be grafting,     Living to earn,     More correspondence,     Write by return.     Clerk in employ of     Shoddy and Woods,     Thinks that we have not     Forwarded goods.     Parcel we sent them,     Missing, I learn,     Says in his postscript:     Write by return.     Here is another     Letter from Bland,     Cheque he expected     Isnt to hand.     How we forgot it     Cannot discern,     Forward remittance,     Write by return.     Here is another,     O how they come?     Treats of a Bender     Planned by a chum.     See on the margin,     Big letters: Burn     After perusal,     Write by return.     Mail in from England,     Letters for me,     Dear little sweetheart     Over the sea.     Quite broken-hearted,     O how I yearn     Only to see you. . . .     Write by return.     One who will never     Think that Im bad     Writes me a letter     Tearful and sad.     Thinks that Im starving,     Filled with concern,     Sends me some money,     Write by return.     Letter from father,     Sent to his son,     All is forgiven,     Fat calf for one.     O that I ever     Thought he was stern,     Money for passage,     Write by return.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant exploration of longing, isolation, and the human connection through correspondence. It uses the consistent refrain "Write by return" to emphasize the importance and urgency of communication, as well as the speaker's desire for contact with various people and aspects of his past life. There's a tangible sense of melancholy and longing as the speaker sifts through letters, each representing a different facet of his life – professional commitments, friends, love, family, forgiveness.

The poem employs a simple yet effective rhyming structure, ABAB, which lends the poem a rhythmic, almost song-like quality. This rhythm contrasts with the serious and sometimes somber content of the letters, creating a balance within the poem. It also utilizes repetition, not just in the refrain but also in the recurring theme of letters and their content, to emphasize the central theme of communication and connection. The tone is reflective and introspective, as the speaker navigates feelings of nostalgia, regret, and longing through the physical reminders of his past and present relationships. This poem is a touching ode to the power of letters and written communication, as well as a commentary on the human condition when separated from loved ones and familiar environments.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.