Woak Hill

By William Barnes

Ballad
When sycamore leaves wer a-spreaden Green-ruddy in hedges, Bezide the red doust o' the ridges, A-dried at Woak Hill; I packed up my goods, all a-sheenen Wi' long years o' handlen, On dousty red wheels ov a waggon, To ride at Woak Hill. The brown thatchen ruf o' the dwellen I then wer a-leaven, Had sheltered the sleek head o' Meary, My bride at Woak Hill. But now vor zome years, her light voot-vall 'S a-lost vrom the vlooren. To soon vor my jay an' my childern She died at Woak Hill. But still I do think that, in soul, She do hover about us; To ho vor her motherless childern, Her pride at Woak Hill. Zoo -lest she should tell me hereafter I stole off 'ithout her, An' left her, uncalled at house-ridden, To bide at Woak Hill - I called her so fondly, wi' lippens All soundless to others, An' took her wi' air-reachen hand To my zide at Woak Hill. On the road I did look round, a-talken To light at my shoulder, An' then led her in at the doorway, Miles wide vrom Woak Hill. An' that's why vo'k thought, vor a season, My mind wer a-wandren Wi' sorrow, when I wer so sorely A-tried at Woak Hill. But no; that my Meary mid never Behold herzelf slighted, I wanted to think that I guided My guide vrom Woak Hill.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a meditation on the speaker's grief and guilt following the loss of his wife, Meary, at Woak Hill. The poem's structure, with its irregular meter and stanza pattern, serves to convey the speaker's disjointed and troubled state of mind. The use of Scots language and dialect adds to the sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world. The imagery is vivid and evocative, from the green-ruddy sycamore leaves to the dusty red wheels of the waggon, but it is often tinged with a sense of sadness and loss. The sound of the language is equally noteworthy, with a focus on consonant repetition and alliteration that creates a sense of musicality and emotional resonance. A significant structural turn occurs in the final stanza, where the speaker's narrative shifts from a retrospective account of his actions to a more introspective exploration of his emotions. The speaker's voice becomes more direct and self-aware, as he acknowledges the possibility that his wife's death may have been a result of his own actions. This tonal shift is marked by a change in the speaker's tone, from one of defensiveness and guilt to one of acceptance and self-awareness. The final observation is that the speaker's love for Meary remains a powerful force, even in death, and that his grief is a testament to the enduring power of his emotions.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.