Gypsying

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ballad
    Gypsying, gypsying, through the world together,     Never mind the way we go, never mind what port.     Follow trails, or fashion sails, start in any weather:     While we journey hand in hand, everything is sport.     Gypsying, gypsying, leaving care and worry:     Never mind the 'if' and 'but' (words for coward lips).     Put them out with 'fear' and 'doubt,' in the pack with 'hurry,'     While we stroll like vagabonds forth to trails, or ships.     Gypsying, gypsying, just where fancy calls us;     Never mind what others say, or what others do.     Everywhere or foul or fair, liking what befalls us:     While you have me at your side, and while I have you.     Gypsying, gypsying, camp by hill or hollow;     Never mind the why of it, since it suits our mood.     Go or stay, and pay our way, and let those who follow     Find, upspringing from the soil, some small seed of good.     Gypsying, gypsying, through the world we wander:     Never mind the rushing years, that have come and gone.     There must be for you and me, lying over Yonder,     Other lands, where side by side we can gypsy on.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under consideration is a compelling narrative of a life lived in joyous abandon and free-spirited exploration, underscored by a tone of optimism and resilience. Its theme revolves around the nomadic lifestyle, love, companionship, and the deliberate choice to embrace life's experiences with positivity, regardless of circumstances.

The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza opening with the refrain "Gypsying, gypsying." This repetition serves as a metaphorical compass, guiding the reader through the couple's shared journey. It contributes to the poem's rhythm and is indicative of the constant movement and change inherent in their lifestyle.

The poet uses the literary device of personification, assigning human characteristics to abstract concepts such as fear, doubt, and hurry. By packing these away, the poem suggests a deliberate rejection of societal pressures and anxieties, embracing instead a life of spontaneity and adventure. The tone remains upbeat and light-hearted, emphasizing the pleasure derived from their chosen lifestyle.

The final lines hint at the inevitability and acceptance of aging, yet maintain the sustained optimism that characterizes the poem. The hope for "other lands, where side by side we can gypsy on" reinforces the enduring nature of their love and camaraderie, suggesting that the spirit of their journey will continue, transcending the physical boundaries of life. Overall, the poem is an invitation to value experiences over material possessions, stressing the importance of companionship and positivity in life's journey.

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.