The Little Peach

Author: Eugene Field

    A little peach in the orchard grew,--
    A little peach of emerald hue;
    Warmed by the sun and wet by the dew,
    It grew.

    One day, passing that orchard through,
    That little peach dawned on the view
    Of Johnny Jones and his sister Sue--
    Them two.

    Up at that peach a club they threw--
    Down from the stem on which it grew
    Fell that peach of emerald hue.
    Mon Dieu!

    John took a bite and Sue a chew,
    And then the trouble began to brew,--
    Trouble the doctor couldn't subdue.
    Too true!

    Under the turf where the daisies grew
    They planted John and his sister Sue,
    And their little souls to the angels flew,--
    Boo hoo!

    What of that peach of the emerald hue,
    Warmed by the sun, and wet by the dew?
    Ah, well, its mission on earth is through.
    Adieu!
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a narrative verse that tells a story in an engaging, yet tragic manner. The use of rhyming couplets and a simple, consistent rhythm makes it accessible and enjoyable on the surface, but the content of the poem is actually quite profound, subtly exploring the themes of life, death, and the transient nature of existence.

The poem starts with a depiction of a growing peach, an emblem of life and vitality. The enchanting simplicity of the language used here underlines the innocence and natural beauty of life. The story then shifts focus to two young characters, Johnny and Sue, who interfere with this natural process by picking and consuming the fruit. The subsequent downfall of these characters serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of certain actions.

The poet uses playful language and rhymes to create a stark contrast with the serious themes in the poem. This juxtaposition between the tone and the subject matter results in an experience that is whimsical yet poignant. The poem, through the narrative of the peach, also explores the inevitability of life's cycle — growth, fruition, decay, and ultimately, renewal. This is reinforced by the closing lines, which remind us that the peach, like all living things, has completed its cycle of life. The use of the French phrases "Mon Dieu" and "Adieu" adds a touch of charm and elegance to the composition, further enhancing its appeal.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.