Theres Naethin Like The Honest Nappy!

By Robert Burns

Cinquain
        There's naethin like the honest nappy!         Whaur'll ye e'er see men sae happy,         Or women, sonsie, saft an' sappy,             'Tween morn an' morn         As them wha like to taste the drappie             In glass or horn?         I've seen me daezt upon a time;         I scarce could wink or see a styme;         Just ae hauf muchkin does me prime,             Ought less is little,         Then back I rattle on the rhyme,             As gleg's a whittle.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an engaging exploration of the simple joys of life, particularly the communal experience of drinking. The poet uses Scots vernacular to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, reflecting the camaraderie and simple pleasures associated with social drinking. The tone is jovial and light-hearted, highlighting the joy and contentment derived from shared experiences and the comfort of routine.

The structure of the poem, consisting of two six-line stanzas or sestets, is straightforward and supports the overall theme of simple, unpretentious enjoyment. The poet's use of rhyme and rhythm adds a musical quality to the poem, inviting readers to join in the celebration.

The poet also employs humor and self-deprecation, particularly in the second stanza where they admit to being "daezt" or confused at times, only to regain their wit after partaking in a drink. This not only adds a touch of authenticity but also serves to further endear the poet to the reader. The use of specific Scots dialect words such as "nappy" (strong ale), "drappie" (a small drink), and "gleg's a whittle" (sharp as a knife) adds a layer of cultural richness to the poem and creates a sense of place and identity. This is a poem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging, delivered with warmth, humor, and a dash of self-deprecating wit.

Understanding Cinquain

A **cinquain** is a five-line poem prized for concentration and clarity. In English, it often follows the American syllabic pattern popularized by Adelaide Crapsey, but there are flexible variants used in classrooms and contemporary practice.

Common approaches and features:

  • Five Lines: The defining feature—compact form encourages vivid images and precise diction.
  • American Cinquain (Syllabic): Typical syllable counts per line: 2  / 4  / 6  / 8  / 2. Variants sometimes use 3/5/7/9/3 or loosen counts slightly.
  • Didactic Cinquain (Parts of Speech): A teaching-friendly pattern: Line 1—one noun; Line 2—two adjectives; Line 3—three verbs/participles; Line 4—a four-word phrase or feeling; Line 5—a synonym/summary noun.
  • Form Variants: Mirror cinquain (5+5 lines, the second in reverse counts), crown cinquain (a sequence of five cinquains), and free-verse adaptations.
  • Tone & Focus: Image-driven, momentary, and distilled—ideal for capturing a scene, object, or flash of insight.
  • Rhyme & Meter: Not required; sound comes from line-length contrast, stress, and strategic repetition.

The cinquain’s small frame invites exactness—each line a step that sharpens the image and lands with a clean, memorable close.