A Bit of Gladness.

By Hattie Howard

Narrative Poem
    As I near my lonely cottage,         At the close of weary day,     There's a little bit of gladness         Comes to meet me on the way:     Dimpled, tanned, and petticoated,         Innocent as angels are,     Like a smiling, straying sunbeam         Is my Stella - like a star.     Soon a hand of tissue-softness         Slips confidingly in mine,     And with tender look appealing         Eyes of beauty sweetly shine;     Like a gentle shepherd guiding         Some lost lamb unto the fold,     So she leads me homeward, prattling         Till her stories are all told.     "Papa, I'm so glad to see you -         Cousin Mabel came today -     And the gas-man brought a letter         That he said you'd better pay -     Yes, and awful things is happened:         My poor kitty's drowned to death -     Mamma's got the 'Pigs in Clover' - "         Here she stops for want of breath.     I am like the bold knight-errant,         From his castle who would roam,     Trusting her, my faithful steward,         For a strict account of home;     And each day I toil, and hazard         All that any man may dare,     For a resting-place at even,         And the love that waits me there.     And sometimes I look with pity         On my neighbor's mansion tall:     There are chambers full of pictures,         There are marbles in the hall,     Yet with all the signs of splendor         That may gild a pile of stone,     Not a living thing about it         But the owner, grim and lone.     I believe that all his millions         He would give without repine     For a little bit of gladness         In his life, like that in mine;     This it is that makes my pathway         Beautiful, wherever trod,     Keeps my soul from wreck and ruin,         Keeps me nearer to my God.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the speaker's simple yet profound joys in life. The structure, largely consisting of quatrains with an irregular rhyme scheme, allows for a fluid and natural flow of thought, mirroring the speaker's easy and carefree demeanor. The voice is warm and conversational, with a touch of vulnerability, as the speaker reflects on the comfort and love they find in their domestic life. The imagery is rich and evocative, with vivid descriptions of nature, such as the dimpled, tanned, and petticoated Stella, and the speaker's own humble abode, which serves as a sanctuary from the world. The sound is equally pleasing, with a soothing cadence that underscores the poem's tranquil atmosphere. A notable structural turn occurs in the second stanza, where the speaker's reverie is interrupted by the arrival of their child, Stella, and the mundane concerns of everyday life. This shift serves to underscore the speaker's priorities and values, which are rooted in the simple pleasures of life, rather than material wealth or social status. This observation is reinforced by the final stanza, which posits that the speaker's little bit of gladness is what gives their life meaning and beauty.

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.