Wandering Willie. (Last Version.)

Author: Robert Burns

I.

        Here awa, there awa, wandering Willie,
            Here awa, there awa, haud awa hame;
        Come to my bosom, my ain only dearie,
            Tell me thou bring'st me my Willie the same.

II.

        Winter winds blew loud and cauld at our parting,
            Fears for my Willie brought tears in my e'e;
        Welcome now simmer, and welcome my Willie,
            The simmer to nature, my Willie to me.

III.

        Rest, ye wild storms, in the cave of your slumbers,
            How your dread howling a lover alarms!
        Wauken, ye breezes, row gently, ye billows,
            And waft my dear laddie ance mair to my arms.

IV.

        But oh, if he's faithless, and minds na his Nannie,
            Flow still between us, thou wide roaring main;
        May I never see it, may I never trow it,
            But, dying, believe that my Willie's my ain.
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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 beautifully explores the themes of love, longing, and fear of abandonment. The speaker is a character who anxiously awaits the return of her beloved Willie, reflecting a deeply personal and emotional narrative. The tone is one of longing and anticipation, tinged with a melancholia that arises from the fear of Willie's potential faithlessness.

The poem is structured in four quatrains, each with a rhyming scheme, contributing to a rhythmic, song-like feel. This musical quality is further reinforced by the repetition of phrases such as "Here awa, there awa," which not only provide a melodic element but also evoke a sense of the speaker's persistent longing.

In terms of literary devices, the poet makes effective use of nature as an allegorical tool. The changing seasons and the tempestuous sea mirror the speaker's emotional state. Winter, with its "loud and cauld" winds, symbolizes the fear and loneliness of separation, while summer represents the hope of reunion. The sea, too, is a powerful symbol, serving as a physical barrier between the lovers and reflecting the potential emotional distance between them. The poet also uses apostrophe, addressing these natural elements as if they could influence Willie's return.

Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of longing and the fear of change within relationships, underscored by a rich tapestry of natural and emotional imagery. Through its melodic structure and evocative language, it engages readers in the speaker's emotional journey, making it a relatable and moving piece.

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.