Author: Eugene Field
Sometime there ben a lyttel boy That wolde not renne and play, And helpless like that little tyke Ben allwais in the way. "Goe, make you merrie with the rest," His weary moder cried; But with a frown he catcht her gown And hong untill her side. That boy did love his moder well, Which spake him faire, I ween; He loved to stand and hold her hand And ken her with his een; His cosset bleated in the croft, His toys unheeded lay,-- He wolde not goe, but, tarrying soe, Ben allwais in the way. Godde loveth children and doth gird His throne with soche as these, And He doth smile in plaisaunce while They cluster at His knees; And sometime, when He looked on earth And watched the bairns at play, He kenned with joy a lyttel boy Ben allwais in the way. And then a moder felt her heart How that it ben to-torne,-- She kissed eche day till she ben gray The shoon he used to worn; No bairn let hold untill her gown, Nor played upon the floore,-- Godde's was the joy; a lyttel boy Ben in the way no more!
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 represents a poignant exploration of the themes of childhood, motherhood, and divinity. The speaker presents a narrative of a young boy who prefers the company of his mother to playing with others, and in doing so, often 'gets in the way.' This narrative is presented in a tone that is simultaneously tender and melancholic, revealing the deep bond between the child and his mother, as well as the inevitable separation that occurs through growth and, ultimately, death.
The poem employs a unique linguistic style reminiscent of Middle English, which offers a sense of historical depth and a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. This language choice, coupled with the simple, rhymed structure, contributes to the poem's storytelling nature, making it accessible yet emotionally resonant.
The repeated phrase, "Ben allwais in the way," evolves throughout the poem. Initially, it seems to be a gentle complaint, but as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this is a term of endearment and a symbol of the child's constant presence and attachment. God's love for children is tied into the narrative, paralleling divine love with maternal love. The final stanzas introduce a sorrowful tone as the child is no longer there, implying his passing and leaving the mother in mourning. The once irritating presence is now a missed one, underlining the transient nature of life and the enduring power of love.
Overall, the poem skillfully navigates themes of love, loss, and divine providence, making it an emotionally charged piece filled with depth and resonance.
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.