Hausegesinde

Author: Walter Crane

1

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Kannnichtruhn heisst mein Huhn,
    Wedelschwanz heisst meine Gans;
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

2

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Entequent heisst meine Ent',
    Sammetmatz heisst meine Katz;
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

3

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Schwarz und weiss heisst meine Geiss,
    Schmortpflein heisst mein Schwein,
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

4

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Ehrenwerth heisst mein Pferd,
    Gute-Muh heisst meine Kuh;
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

5

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Wettermann heisst mein Hahn,
    Kunterbunt heisst mein Hund;
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

6

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne,
    Guck-heraus heisst mein Haus,
    Schlupf-heraus heisst mein' Maus;
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

7

    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne
    Wohlgethan heisst mein Mann,
    Sausewind heisst mein Kind,
    Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne.

    Gesprochen:
    Nun kennt ihr mich mit Mann und Kind
    Und meinem ganzen Hausgesind.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a playful, rhythmic piece that employs repetition and rhyme to create a captivating, sing-song quality. Its structure is reminiscent of a nursery rhyme, with each stanza introducing a new character in a consistent format, and the repetition of "Widewidewenne heisst meine Trut-henne" serving as a kind of chorus, anchoring the poem and providing a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The tone is light and whimsical, with each character being given a fun, descriptive name that tells us a little about them, from "Wedelschwanz" (Wagtail) the goose to "Kunterbunt" (Multicolored) the dog. This anthropomorphizing of animals and inanimate objects, combined with the consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, creates a sense of a world that is alive, vibrant and full of personality. The poem's themes revolve around home, community, and identity, with the final spoken lines revealing that all these characters together make up the poet's family and household. The way each character is introduced and named also speaks to the theme of individuality within a collective, and the importance of every member in a community. It's a charming piece full of warmth and humor, one that invites the reader to join in its lively, rhythmic celebration of life's everyday characters.

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.