Weepin’ Willie

Author: Edward Dyson

Weepin’ Willie’s a man who cries,
He weeps for the world’s dark lies;
He weeps for the love that’s lost,
He weeps for the bitter cost.

He weeps for the children’s pain,
He weeps for the useless gain;
He weeps for the dreams that die,
He weeps for the endless sigh.

But Weepin’ Willie is strong at heart,
He weeps, but he won’t depart;
He faces the world with tears in his eyes,
And still he stands, still he tries.

For Willie knows that life is hard,
And weeping won’t mend the scar;
But still he weeps for the world’s great wrong,
And still he sings his sorrow’s song.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written: 1890-01-01

Date Published: 1890-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Grief, Strength, Compassion, Sorrow, Humanity

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: E. Dyson

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A narrative poem about Weepin’ Willie, a man who expresses his deep compassion and sorrow for the world through tears, yet remains strong and continues to face life’s challenges.

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.