Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
It's up and away from our work to-day, For the breeze sweeps over the down; And it's hey for a game where the gorse blossoms flame, And the bracken is bronzing to brown. With the turf 'neath our tread and the blue overhead, And the song of the lark in the whin; There's the flag and the green, with the bunkers between - Now will you be over or in? The doctor may come, and we'll teach him to know A tee where no tannin can lurk; The soldier may come, and we'll promise to show Some hazards a soldier may shirk; The statesman may joke, as he tops every stroke, That at last he is high in his aims; And the clubman will stand with a club in his hand That is worth every club in St. James'. The palm and the leather come rarely together, Gripping the driver's haft, And it's good to feel the jar of the steel And the spring of the hickory shaft. Why trouble or seek for the praise of a clique? A cleek here is common to all; And the lie that might sting is a very small thing When compared with the lie of the ball. Come youth and come age, from the study or stage, From Bar or from Bench--high and low! A green you must use as a cure for the blues - You drive them away as you go. We're outward bound on a long, long round, And it's time to be up and away: If worry and sorrow come back with the morrow, At least we'll be happy to-day.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This beautifully penned poem speaks to the universal human desire for escape and leisure, specifically through the game of golf. It celebrates the joy and camaraderie found in the sport, while also highlighting its function as a temporary refuge from the pressures of professional and social life.
The poem's structure is well-crafted, with a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm that contributes to its playful, uplifting tone. The author skillfully uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to evoke the natural beauty of the golf course, enhancing the sense of escape and freedom. Additionally, the use of specific golfing terminology adds authenticity and depth to the theme.
The poem also demonstrates a democratic spirit, inviting everyone, regardless of profession or social status, to partake in the game. This notion is further emphasized through the repeated phrase "come...from", suggesting inclusivity and equality on the green. Interwoven throughout the poem is a subtle critique of societal pretensions, as shown in lines like "Why trouble or seek for the praise of a clique?" The poem thus stands as a celebration of the outdoors, sport, and camaraderie, as well as a gentle mockery of social hierarchy and pretense.
Overall, the poem delivers a compelling argument for the joy and freedom found in leisure activities, the beauty of nature, and the value of shared experiences over societal status. Its tone, structure, and effective use of literary devices serve to enhance these themes, making it a delightful and thought-provoking read.
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:
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.