The Weather Prophet

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
Ow can it rain.' the old man said, 'with things the way they are? You've got to learn off ant and bee, and jackaroo and galah; And no man never saw it rain, for fifty years at least, Not when the blessed parakeets are flyinn' to the east!' The weeks went by, the squatter wrote to tell his bank the news. 'It's still as dry as dust,' he said, 'I'm feeding all the ewes; The overdraft would sink a ship, but make your mind at rest, It's all right now, the parakeets are flyin' to the west!'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a simple, narrative style to explore themes of human interaction with nature, weather patterns, and economic hardship. The poem's two main characters, the old man and the squatter, offer different perspectives on the drought plaguing their land. The old man, seemingly wise and in tune with nature, suggests studying animal behavior to understand weather patterns, while the squatter, a representation of the struggling farmer, communicates his economic struggles to his bank.

The tone of the poem is both dryly humorous and subtly desperate, reflecting the characters' attitudes towards their circumstances. The repeated references to the parakeets' flight direction serve as a motif emphasizing the men's reliance on these natural indicators. The poem is structured in a direct, conversational manner, with two stanzas that juxtapose the two men's perspectives.

The standout literary device is the use of local and colloquial language (e.g. "jackaroo," "galah," and "ewes"), which roots the poem in a specific geographical and cultural context. This use of language provides a sense of authenticity and familiarity, inviting the reader into the world of the poem. Overall, this poem offers a snapshot of rural life in times of crisis, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of its characters.

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.