Weary Will

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

The strongest creature for his size
But least equipped for combat
That dwells beneath Australian skies
Is Weary Will the Wombat.

He digs his homestead underground,
He's neither shrewd nor clever;
For kangaroos can leap and bound
But wombats dig forever.

The boundary rider's netting fence
Excites his irritation;
It is to his untutored sense
His pet abomination.

And when to pass it he desires,
Upon his task he'll centre
And dig a hole beneath the wires
Through which the dingoes enter.

And when to block the hole they strain
With logs and stones and rubble,
Bill Wombat digs it out again
Without the slightest trouble.

The boundary rider bows to fate,
Admits he's made a blunder
And rigs a little swinging gate
To let Bill Wombat under.

So most contentedly he goes
Between his haunt and burrow:
He does the only thing he knows,
And does it very thorough.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem under discussion here offers a delightful glimpse into the life of the Australian wombat, personified with the name "Weary Will". The author employs a light-hearted tone and a consistent rhyme scheme to create a playful and engaging narrative. The structure presents a tale, introducing the character, detailing his behavior, and concluding with a resolution that leaves both the wombat and the boundary rider content.

The primary theme is the idea of persistence, as embodied by the determined wombat. Despite not being traditionally 'clever,' the wombat's single-mindedness in pursuing its goals is depicted as a virtue. This could potentially serve as a metaphor for life, where determination often triumphs over natural ability. The wombat's digging is also symbolic of a quest for freedom and an instinctual drive to live life on his own terms.

The poem also uses humor effectively, as evidenced in the amusing battle of wits between the wombat and the boundary rider. This interplay adds depth and complexity to the narrative and underscores the theme of coexistence. The poem concludes with a note of harmony, suggesting that accommodating nature often leads to more peaceful coexistence.

Overall, the poem is a charming blend of humor, nature, and life lessons, brought to life with vivid imagery and personification.

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.