When Rosy May

By Robert Burns

Ballad
    Tune - "The gardener wi' his paidle." I.         When rosy May comes in wi' flowers,         To deck her gay green-spreading bowers,         Then busy, busy are his hours,             The gard'ner wi' his paidle         The crystal waters gently fa';         The merry birds are lovers a';         The scented breezes round him blaw,             The gard'ner wi' his paidle. II.         When purple morning starts the hare         To steal upon her early fare,         Then thro' the dews he maun repair,             The gard'ner wi' his paidle.         When day, expiring in the west,         The curtain draws of nature's rest,         He flies to her arms he lo'es best,             The gard'ner wi' his paidle.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a lyrical exploration of nature, time, and human labor, blended together in a harmonious rhythm. The motif of "The gard'ner wi' his paidle," a representation of the diligent laborer in tune with nature's cycles, serves as a thematic refrain, creating a sense of continuity and binding the stanzas together.

The theme of nature is vividly presented through the vivid imagery of "rosy May", "gay green-spreading bowers", "crystal waters", and "merry birds". These encapsulate the beauty and vibrancy of nature in spring, creating a sense of enchantment and tranquillity. The gardener is portrayed as an integral part of this natural world, his work aligned with the rhythm of the changing seasons and times of day.

The poem employs a lyrical, rhymed structure, with each stanza following an ABABC pattern. The rhythm and rhyme lend the poem a musical quality, reinforcing the harmonious relationship between the gardener and nature. The poet's use of dialect adds a sense of authenticity and local color to the narrative, grounding it in a specific cultural context.

The tone of the poem is positive and celebratory, highlighting the joy and fulfillment found in work that is in tune with nature. The closing line of the poem, "He flies to her arms he lo'es best," suggests that the gardener's love for his work is akin to a romantic relationship, an idea that adds emotional depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, this poem is a beautifully crafted celebration of nature, work, and the harmony between the two. Through its vibrant imagery, rhythmic structure, and heartfelt tone, it portrays the gardener's labor not as a burden, but as a source of joy and fulfillment.

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.