Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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    Bald, with old eyes a blood-shot blue, he comes
    Into the Boar's-Head Inn: the hot sweat streaks
    His fulvous face, and all his raiment reeks
    Of all the stews and all the Eastcheap slums.
    Upon the battered board again he drums
    And croaks for sack: then sits, his harsh haired cheeks
    Sunk in his hands rough with the grime of weeks,
    While 'round the tap one great bluebottle hums.
    All, all are gone, the old companions they
    Who made his rogue's world merry: of them all
    Not one is left. Old, toothless now, and gray
    Alone he waits: the swagger of that day
    Gone from his bulk departed even as Doll,
    And he, his Hal, who broke his heart, they say.

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant portrayal of an aging, lonely figure whose life is marked by poverty and hardship, set in the grimy backdrop of Eastcheap. The poet skillfully employs vivid, sensory imagery to paint a picture of the protagonist, from his blood-shot eyes and sweat-streaked face to his grime-roughened hands. The opening lines immediately set a bleak tone, and the words "reek," "stews," and "slums" further reinforce the grim atmosphere.

The theme of loss is prevalent, reflecting on the man's past companions, his health, and his vitality – all now gone. The repetitions of "all" and "gone" underline a sense of finality and the passage of time. The melancholic tone is underscored by the protagonist's silence and the solitary hum of a bluebottle. The phrase 'his Hal, who broke his heart' alludes to a personal tragedy, adding layers to the protagonist's character.

The poem's structure is tight and traditional, adhering to a specific rhyme scheme, which lends a rhythmic pace, contrasting with the stagnation of the protagonist's life. This juxtaposition further enhances the pathos of his situation. The poet's use of language is both beautiful and harsh, mirroring the protagonist's life, and it's this delicate balance that makes the poem powerful and deeply resonant.