Verses To John Rankine.

Author: Robert Burns

        Ae day, as Death, that grusome carl,
        Was driving to the tither warl'
        A mixtie-maxtie motley squad,
        And mony a guilt-bespotted lad;
        Black gowns of each denomination,
        And thieves of every rank and station,
        From him that wears the star and garter,
        To him that wintles in a halter:
        Asham'd himsel' to see the wretches,
        He mutters, glowrin' at the bitches,
        "By G--d, I'll not be seen behint them,
        Nor 'mang the sp'ritual core present them,
        Without, at least, ae honest man,
        To grace this d--d infernal clan."
        By Adamhill a glance he threw,
        "L--d G--d!" quoth he, "I have it now,
        There's just the man I want, i' faith!"
        And quickly stoppit Rankine's breath.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a darkly humorous and satirical critique of society, employing the character of Death as a driver leading a diverse group of individuals to the 'tither warl' or the other world. The tone is irreverent and cynical, as the poet uses vivid language and imagery to depict a colorful array of characters, ranging from 'guilt-bespotted lad' to individuals of high rank and status. The poem implies that death is the great equalizer, indiscriminately claiming lives without regard to social standing.

The structure of the poem is consistent, using a rigid rhyme scheme to create a rhythmic cadence, which, interestingly, contrasts with the grim subject matter. The poet employs dialect and colloquial language, adding authenticity and grounding the poem in a specific cultural context. Notably, the poet uses humor and irony as principal literary devices, exemplified in Death's quest for 'ae honest man' amidst the motley crew. The unexpected twist at the end, where Death abruptly 'stoppit Rankine's breath', underscores the capriciousness of mortality, reinforcing the poem's underlying theme.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

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:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

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.