The Old Man In Leather

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    One misty, moisty morning, when cloudy was the weather,     There I met an old man clothed all in leather, clothed all in leather,     With cap under his chin,     How do you do, how do you do, how do you do, again, again.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents an engaging encounter between the speaker and an old man on a cloudy, misty morning, revealing elements of mystery and repetition. The poem's primary theme is an exploration of human connection, as the speaker and the old man engage in a simple, yet profound encounter. The repeated phrase "how do you do, how do you do, how do you do, again, again" emphasizes this theme of connection, highlighting the iterative and cyclical nature of human communication.

The poem's tone is gently mysterious, conjured by the misty weather and the old man's unusual attire, clothed all in leather. The structure of the poem, with its repeating phrases and rhythmic cadence, echoes traditional nursery rhymes or folk ballads. This lends an air of timelessness and universality to the poem, suggesting that such encounters between people are a common, yet significant part of human experience. The use of alliteration in "misty, moisty morning" and the repetition of "clothed all in leather" serve to enhance the musicality and rhythm of the piece, making it both memorable and delightful to read.

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.