Author: Eugene Field
I'd like to be a cowboy an' ride a fiery hoss Way out into the big an' boundless west; I'd kill the bears an' catamounts an' wolves I come across, An' I'd pluck the bal' head eagle from his nest! With my pistols at my side, I would roam the prarers wide, An' to scalp the savage Injun in his wigwam would I ride-- If I darst; but I darsen't! I'd like to go to Afriky an' hunt the lions there, An' the biggest ollyfunts you ever saw! I would track the fierce gorilla to his equatorial lair, An' beard the cannybull that eats folks raw! I'd chase the pizen snakes An' the 'pottimus that makes His nest down at the bottom of unfathomable lakes-- If I darst; but I darsen't! I would I were a pirut to sail the ocean blue, With a big black flag aflyin' overhead; I would scour the billowy main with my gallant pirut crew An' dye the sea a gouty, gory red! With my cutlass in my hand On the quarterdeck I'd stand And to deeds of heroism I'd incite my pirut band-- If I darst; but I darsen't! And, if I darst, I'd lick my pa for the times that he's licked me! I'd lick my brother an' my teacher, too! I'd lick the fellers that call round on sister after tea, An' I'd keep on lickin' folks till I got through! You bet! I'd run away From my lessons to my play, An' I'd shoo the hens, an' tease the cat, an' kiss the girls all day-- If I darst; but I darsen't!
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 poem brims with youthful energy and the spirit of adventure, reflecting the wild fantasies that often occupy the minds of young boys. The central theme is the tension between desire and fear, encapsulated in the repeated refrain, "If I darst; but I darsen't!" The fantastical dreams of being a cowboy, a lion hunter, a pirate, and even a rebellious child are consistently held back by an underlying fear or perceived inability to act on these desires.
The poem’s tone is playful and light-hearted, with the use of colloquial language and exaggerated scenarios adding to its charm. Structurally, the poet employs an AABB rhyme scheme, creating a rhythmic flow that enhances the narrative and adds a sense of whimsy. The use of hyperbole and vivid imagery in describing the daring exploits serves to further contrast the protagonist's dreams with his reality. Ultimately, the poem is a delightful exploration of youthful imagination, the allure of adventure, and the limitations imposed by fear and societal norms.
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.