The Old Woman Tossed Up In A Blanket

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    There was an old woman tossed up in a blanket,     Seventeen times as high as the moon;     Where she was going I could not but ask it,     For in her hand she carried a broom.     "Old woman, old woman, old woman," quoth I;     "O whither, O whither, O whither so high?"     "To sweep the cobwebs from the sky,     And I'll be with you by-and-by!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, in its whimsical and humorous style, explores themes of age, ambition, and the human imagination. The image of an elderly woman being tossed as high as the moon, broom in hand, sets a tone of playful absurdity that permeates the entire poem. It's a surreal scene, inviting readers to suspend their disbelief and embrace the fantastical premise.

The poem's structure adheres to a traditional verse form, employing rhyme and rhythm to create a lively, engaging flow. Repetition, particularly in the line "Old woman, old woman, old woman," quoth I," serves to underscore the speaker's curious bewilderment and fascination. The old woman's intention to "sweep the cobwebs from the sky" utilizes the literary device of hyperbole, exaggerating her task to an impossible degree. This might be interpreted as a metaphor for the audacity of human dreams and aspirations, or perhaps a commentary on the often underappreciated determination and vigor of the elderly. The poem's final line, "And I'll be with you by-and-by!" concludes the piece on a note of camaraderie and shared adventure, further enhancing its charming appeal.

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.