Dwell Not With Me

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

    Dwell, not with me,     For youll never see     More than a possum or a kangaroo,     And now and then a cockatoo.     Oh, would you wish,     Without a dish,     Your scanty meal from a piece of bark,     And a wood fire to illume the dark.     Tis there youd mourn,     Tis there youd mourn     The sweet woodbine     That round your lattice now doth twine.     Fond friends, dont grieve     For scenes like these,     Or smart from bugs, mosquitoes, fleas.     Dwell not with me.

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Poem Details

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

Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a stark but playful depiction of life in close proximity to nature. The poet uses humor and a light-hearted tone to contrast the romanticized view of dwelling in the wilderness with the harsh realities of such a life. The theme of disillusionment is evident as the speaker warns potential companions of the difficulties they would encounter, such as the limited wildlife viewing opportunities, simple meals, and the discomfort of insect bites.

The structure of the poem is simplistic, consisting of rhyming couplets, which adds to the light-hearted tone and makes the serious message more accessible. The repetition of the line "Tis there you'd mourn" emphasizes the speaker's warning, while the specific imagery of the woodbine vine brings a sense of loss and longing into focus. There's also a clever use of irony in the line "Fond friends, don't grieve," as the speaker is asking his friends not to feel sad for his rustic lifestyle, while simultaneously warning them not to join him. This poem is a delightful blend of humor and caution, effectively evoking the harsh realities of rural life while expressing a certain affection for it.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.