The Matrimonial Stakes

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

I wooed her with a steeplechase, I won her with a fall,
I made her heartstrings quiver on the flat
When the pony missed his take-off, and we crashed into the wall;
Well, she simply had to have me after that!

It awoke a thrill of int'rest when they pulled me out for dead
From beneath the shattered ruins of a horse;
And although she looked indifferent when I landed, on my head,
In the water, it appealed to her, of course!

When I won the Flappers' Flatrace it was "all Sir Garneo",
For she praised the way I made my final run.
And she thought the riding won it, for how could the poor girl know
That a monkey could have ridden it and won!

Then they "weighed me in" a winner, it's not often that occurs!
So I didn't let my golden chances slip,
For I showed her all the blood-marks where I jabbed him with the spurs,
And the whip-strokes where I hit him with the whip.

Then I asked her if she loved me, and she seemed inclined to shirk
For a moment so I took her by the head
(So to speak) and rushed her at it; and she seemed to like the work
When she kissed me, though she blushed a rosy red.

She's a mouth as soft as velvet, and she plenty has of heart,
I could worship every little step she takes;
And the saddling-bell is ringing, so we're going to the start,
Certain winners of the Matrimonial Stakes!
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a charming and brisk narrative that marries the themes of romance and horseracing. It does so with a tone of playful bravado that is both endearing and humorous. The speaker is a suitor intent on winning his beloved's heart, using his exploits in the steeplechase as a metaphor for his romantic pursuit. The poem employs a regular rhyme scheme that maintains a lively pace, mirroring the speed and excitement of a horse race.

The poem is rich in metaphor and imagery, using the world of horse racing to depict a courtship. The speaker likens his relationship to a steeplechase, and his romantic advances to a race. The poem's tone reflects the speaker's audacious spirit, unafraid of crashes and falls, and even death, in his pursuit of love. This bravado is balanced with humor, as seen in the playful underestimation of the speaker's skill in winning the race. In the end, the speaker's confidence and humor, combined with his romantic determination, seem to win the day. The poem ends on a hopeful note, suggesting the speaker and his beloved are "certain winners of the Matrimonial Stakes," thus bringing the racing metaphor to a satisfying conclusion.

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.