Writing

By William Allingham

A man who keeps a diary, pays Due toll to many tedious days; But life becomes eventful then His busy hand forgets the pen. Most books, indeed, are records less Of fullness than of emptiness.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem, at its core, explores the paradoxical relationship between life's mundanity and its vibrancy, highlighting the inherent dichotomy between living and recording. It uses the metaphor of a diary-keeping man to underscore this dichotomy. The poem's tone is subtly contemplative; it nudges the reader to consider the price paid for either choice – experiencing life in all its rich complexity or meticulously documenting it.

The structure of the poem is simple and direct, enhancing its clarity and impact. It employs end rhyme, giving it a rhythmic flow that adds to its charm. The use of contrast as a literary device is also evident, contrasting "tedious days" with "eventful" ones and "fullness" with "emptiness". The final two lines offer a poignant comment on the nature of literature itself, suggesting that many books capture more of life's voids than its plenitudes. This offers a profound reflection on the act of writing as a means to fill the emptiness, a theme that would resonate with writers and readers alike.