The Lost Drink

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
I had spent the night in the watch-house, My head was the size of three, So I went and asked the chemist To fix up a drink for me; And he brewed it from various bottles With soda and plenty of ice, With something that smelt like lemon, And something that seemed like spice. It fell on my parching palate Like the dew on a sunbaked plain, And my system began to flourish Like the grass in the soft spring rain; It wandered throughout my being, Suffusing my soul with rest, And I felt as I "scoffed" that liquid That life had a new-found zest. I have been on the razzle-dazzle Full many a time since then But I never could get the chemist To brew me that drink again. He says he's forgotten the notion, 'Twas only by chance it came, He's tried me with various liquids But oh! they are not the same. We have sought, but we sought it vainly, That one lost drink divine; We have sampled his various bottles, But somehow they don't combine: Yet I know when I cross the River And stand on the Golden Shore I shall meet with an angel chemist To brew me that drink once more.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem captures the themes of memory, longing, and the pursuit of ephemeral joy. The speaker recounts an experience of consuming a unique, refreshing drink, which is not just a simple beverage, but a symbol of a transcendent experience that brings relief and revitalisation. The speaker's longing for this unforgettable drink underscores the human desire for fleeting moments of joy and satisfaction.

The poem is written in a conversational tone, marked with a tinge of wistfulness. A consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB gives it an engaging rhythm, reminiscent of popular ballads. The poet uses vivid imagery and personification effectively, as seen in phrases like "My head was the size of three," or "my system began to flourish / Like the grass in the soft spring rain." These lines not only convey physical sensations but also the emotional impact the drink had on the speaker. The final stanzas, revealing the unattainable nature of that experience and the speaker's hope of finding it in the afterlife, lend a poignant touch to the poem. The "angel chemist" in the last line elevates the ordinary chemist to a divine figure, further emphasizing the transcendent nature of the drink and its profound effect on the speaker.

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.