Ed

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    Ed was a man that played for keeps, 'nd when he tuk the notion,     You cudn't stop him any more'n a dam 'ud stop the ocean;     For when he tackled to a thing 'nd sot his mind plum to it,     You bet yer boots he done that thing though it broke the bank to do it!     So all us boys uz knowed him best allowed he wuzn't jokin'     When on a Sunday he remarked uz how he'd gin up smokin'.     Now this remark, that Ed let fall, fell, ez I say, on Sunday--     Which is the reason we wuz shocked to see him sail in Monday     A-puffin' at a snipe that sizzled like a Chinese cracker     An' smelt fur all the world like rags instead uv like terbacker;     Recoverin' from our first surprise, us fellows fell to pokin'     A heap uv fun at "folks uz said how they had gin up smokin'."     But Ed--sez he: "I found my work cud not be done without it--     Jes' try the scheme yourselves, my friends, ef any uv you doubt it!     It's hard, I know, upon one's health, but there's a certain beauty     In makin' sackerfices to the stern demands uv duty!     So, wholly in a sperrit uv denial 'nd concession,     I mortify the flesh 'nd smoke for the sake uv my perfession!"

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Narrative Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a lively narrative that explores themes of commitment, sacrifice, and humor, while presenting a relatable and human character in the form of Ed. The poet employs a distinct vernacular style, lending a sense of authenticity and character to the poem, and enabling the reader to vividly imagine the scene and the characters involved.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza presenting a new event in the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling effect. The poem utilizes humor and irony, especially in the depiction of Ed's struggle to quit smoking, despite his initial determination. This irony is heightened when Ed justifies his return to the habit as a necessary sacrifice for his work. The poet uses this narrative to comment on human nature, habits, and the often humorous justifications we make for our actions. Standout literary devices include the use of colloquial language and simile, such as "a snipe that sizzled like a Chinese cracker", which adds to the poem's overall vivid and engaging nature.

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.