Author: Eugene Field
Lie in my arms, Ailsie, my bairn,-- Lie in my arms and dinna greit; Long time been past syn I kenned you last, But my harte been allwais the same, my swete. Ailsie, I colde not say you ill, For out of the mist of your bitter tears, And the prayers that rise from your bonnie eyes Cometh a promise of oder yeres. I mind the time when we lost our bairn,-- Do you ken that time? A wambling tot, You wandered away ane simmer day, And we hunted and called, and found you not. I promised God, if He'd send you back, Alwaies to keepe and to love you, childe; And I'm thinking again of that promise when I see you creep out of the storm sae wild. You came back then as you come back now,-- Your kirtle torn and your face all white; And you stood outside and knockit and cried, Just as you, dearie, did to-night. Oh, never a word of the cruel wrang, That has faded your cheek and dimmed your ee; And never a word of the fause, fause lord,-- Only a smile and a kiss for me. Lie in my arms, as long, long syne, And sleepe on my bosom, deere wounded thing,-- I'm nae sae glee as I used to be, Or I'd sing you the songs I used to sing. But Ile kemb my fingers thro' y'r haire, And nane shall know, but you and I, Of the love and the faith that came to us baith When Ailsie, my bairn, came home to die.
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: This poignant narrative poem beautifully captures themes of love, loss, and memory, set in a distinctly Scottish context. The poem's structure follows a clear, story-like progression, but it's the raw, emotional tone that truly stands out. The speaker addresses Ailsie directly, creating an intimate atmosphere and allowing the reader to delve into the depth of their relationship.
The language and dialect used are noticeably archaic, lending an air of timelessness and distance, though the emotions conveyed remain universal and immediate. The repeated refrain "Lie in my arms, Ailsie, my bairn" underscores the soothing, nurturing nature of the speaker's love. The poem brims with vivid imagery, particularly the comparison of Ailsie's return to her childhood wandering, which creates a heartbreaking parallel. It's clear that Ailsie has suffered, yet the specifics are left unsaid, adding to the piece's emotional weight. The speaker's promise of silence and comfort in the face of such pain highlights the unconditional love and acceptance at the poem's core. Despite its mournful undertones, the poem also conveys a sense of peace and acceptance, a testament to the strength of the bond between the speaker and Ailsie.
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:
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.