The Wild Geese

By Violet Jacob

Lyric Poem
Oh, tell me what was on yer road, ye roarin' norland wind, As ye cam' blawin' frae the land that's niver frae my mind? My feet they traivel England, but I'm deein' for the north - My man, I heard the siller tides rin up the Firth o' Forth. Aye, wind, I ken them weel eneuch, and fine they fa' and rise, And fain I'd feel the creepin' mist on yonder shore that lies. But tell me, ere ye passed them by, what saw ye on the way? My man, I rocked the rovin' gulls that sail abune the Tay. But saw ye naething, leein' wind, afore ye cam' to Fife? There's muckle lyin' 'yond the Tay that's mair to me nor life. My man, I swept the Angus braes ye haena trod for years. Oh, wind, forgi'e a hameless loon that canna see for tears! And far abune the Angus straths I saw the wild geese flee, A lang, lang skein o' beatin' wings wi' their heids toward the sea, And aye their cryin' voices trailed ahint them on the air - Oh, wind, hae maircy, haud yer whisht, for I daurna listen mair!
Written: 1915-01-01

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Date Written: 1915-01-01
Language: Scots
Keywords: Wild Geese, Scotland, Longing, Nature, Exile
Source: Collected Poems of Violet Jacob
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
One of Violet Jacob's most famous poems, expressing a deep yearning for her native Scotland, written in the Scots language.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.