Author: Gilbert Keith Chesterton
The gallows in my garden, people say, Is new and neat and adequately tall. I tie the noose on in a knowing way As one that knots his necktie for a ball; But just as all the neighbours, on the wall, Are drawing a long breath to shout "Hurray!" The strangest whim has seized me.... After all I think I will not hang myself to-day. To-morrow is the time I get my pay, My uncle's sword is hanging in the hall, I see a little cloud all pink and grey, Perhaps the rector's mother will not call, I fancy that I heard from Mr. Gall That mushrooms could be cooked another way, I never read the works of Juvenal, I think I will not hang myself to-day. The world will have another washing day; The decadents decay; the pedants pall; And H. G. Wells has found that children play, And Bernard Shaw discovered that they squall; Rationalists are growing rational, And through thick woods one finds a stream astray, So secret that the very sky seems small, I think I will not hang myself to-day. Envoi Prince, I can hear the trump of Germinal, The tumbrils toiling up the terrible way; Even to-day your royal head may fall, I think I will not hang myself to-day.
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 darkly humorous meditation on life, death, and the decision to carry on in the face of life's absurdities. The recurring refrain, "I think I will not hang myself today," is a stark reminder of the poet's constant flirtation with mortality, even as it is used to punctuate an array of trivial and serious reasons for continuing to live.
The poem's tone is a blend of grim playfulness and defiant optimism. The speaker's consideration of suicide is treated with a macabre lightness, as if it were an everyday inconvenience. Yet there is a determination to find reasons to endure, whether they are as insignificant as a different way to cook mushrooms or as profound as the discovery of a secret stream.
The structure of the poem, with its repeated refrain, and the use of rhyme give it a sing-song quality, which contrasts sharply with the dark subject matter. This juxtaposition underscores the theme of life's absurdities and the unexpected ways we find to cope.
The use of literary and historical references, such as H.G. Wells, Bernard Shaw, and the trump of Germinal, adds a layer of intellectual humor and commentary on society. These references highlight the speaker's engagement with the world, suggesting that intellectual curiosity and social awareness are among the reasons to continue living.
Overall, the poem explores the human capacity to find reasons to persevere, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It presents a poignant, if darkly comic, commentary on the human condition and the enduring will to live.
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:
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.