Robin Redbreast

By William Allingham

Lyric Poem
Good-bye, good-bye to Summer! For Summer's nearly done; The garden smiling faintly, Cool breezes in the sun; Our Thrushes now are silent, Our Swallows flown away, But Robin's here, in coat of brown, With ruddy breast-knot gay. Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! Robin singing sweetly In the falling of the year. Bright yellow, red, and orange, The leaves come down in hosts; The trees are Indian Princes, But soon they'll turn to Ghosts; The scanty pears and apples Hang russet on the bough, It's Autumn, Autumn, Autumn late, 'Twill soon be Winter now. Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! And welaway! my Robin, For pinching times are near. The fireside for the Cricket, The wheatstack for the Mouse, When trembling night-winds whistle And moan all round the house; The frosty ways like iron, The branches plumed with snow, Alas! in Winter, dead and dark, Where can poor Robin go? Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! And a crumb of bread for Robin, His little heart to cheer.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a delicate, vivid portrayal of the passing seasons, with an acute focus on the transition from summer to autumn, and then winter. The central themes revolve around the ephemerality of life, the inevitability of change, and the struggle for survival that accompanies the shifting seasons. The poet uses the figure of the Robin as a consistent thread, its journey echoing the cycle of life and the passage of time.

In terms of structure, the poem neatly subdivides into three stanzas, each representing a different season and its effects, with the refrain "Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear!" adding a rhythmic continuity. There's a distinct tonal shift as the poem progresses, moving from the serene melancholy of late summer, to the vibrant decay of autumn, and finally the harsh bleakness of winter. The poet employs vivid imagery and personification to bring the seasons to life; the garden 'smiling faintly', trees turning into 'Ghosts', and the winter winds that 'whistle And moan all round the house'. This picture of nature and the changing seasons is not merely decorative, but also serves as a metaphor for life's stages and the enduring cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death. The poem thus combines a keen observation of nature with profound existential reflection.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.