Poetry Archives - Page 13 of 26

Chapter

Ballad: The Two Ogres

by LovelyMay — "The Two Ogres" in *The Bab Ballads* spins a whimsical yet moralistic tale, perfectly suited for both obedient and mischievous children. This ballad, set in the magical Wickham Wold, introduces us to two distinct ogres representing the extremes of good and evil. The younger ogre is as virtuous as the elder is vile, embodying the dichotomy of character in fantastical form. James M'Alpine, the elder, is a creature of base desires, indulging his appetite with a ruthless efficiency that targets well-behaved…
1. More Bab Ballads
  
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Chapter

Ballad: The Bumboat Woman’s Story

by LovelyMay — In "The Bumboat Woman's Story," an elderly woman reminisces about her youthful days at sea and her affection for Lieutenant Belaye, a naval officer. Once thriving in her sixties, known for her charm and beloved by the Royal Fleet for her lively eyes, she provided for the ships in Portsmouth Bay, including the HOT CROSS BUN commanded by the kind-hearted Lieutenant Belaye. The lieutenant, skilled in maximizing the prestige of his small gunboat, deceives casual inquiry by conflating its tonnage with the…
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2.2 K Dec 18, '24 0

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Chapter

Ballad: Mister William

by LovelyMay — In "Mister William," a ballad from "The Bab Ballads," we are introduced to the tale of Mr. William, a character who leads a life of respectability and kindness but is tempted into committing a crime purely to experience vice. He rationalizes that a single act of wickedness after a lifetime of virtue will not tarnish his reputation, comparing his planned sin to the innocent misbehaviors of a child, suggesting that minor sins can accumulate over time if not addressed. William decides against petty theft,…
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Story

More Bab Ballads

by LovelyMay — More Bab Ballads by W.S. Gilbert is a collection of humorous and satirical poems that feature witty rhymes, whimsical characters, and clever wordplay, often poking fun at social conventions, love, and human folly, in the distinctive style for which Gilbert is known.
1. Ballad: The Haughty Actor
  
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2. Ballad: The Cunning Woman
  
  1.4 K Words • Nov 8, '24
3. Ballad: Etiquette
  
  2.3 K Words • Nov 8, '24
Poetry

35 69.1 K Jan 23, '25 LovelyMay 0 Ongoing

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Chapter

Lazarus

by LovelyMay — In "Lazarus," the poem delves into the complex emotions and philosophical inquiries stirred by Lazarus's return from the dead. Mary and Martha, Lazarus's sisters, grapple with their brother's resurrection, experiencing a maelstrom of confusion, fear, and longing for understanding. Martha, feeling as though their brother remains distant even in presence, express her anguish and frustration to Mary, urging her to bridge the emotional gap Lazarus's resurrection has imposed. Meanwhile, Mary confronts the…
1. The Three Taverns
  
  29.4 K Words • Ongoing
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2.3 K Apr 4, '25 0

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Chapter

Late Summer

by LovelyMay — In Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Late Summer," the narrative delves into a complex interplay of regret, unfulfilled desires, and the remnants of hope within a strained relationship. The speaker observes a woman who is mysteriously dedicating her efforts towards futile endeavors, symbolized by the act of "lavishing feminine Gold upon clay." Her actions and the unending cycle of reflecting on painful memories seem inscrutable to him, yet amidst this confusion, a faint smile from her suggests an underlying…
1. The Three Taverns
  
  29.4 K Words • Ongoing
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2.1 K Apr 4, '25 0

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Chapter

Peace on Earth

by LovelyMay — Peace is echoed in the humble words of a man named Ichabod, his frayed hat in hand as a testament to his journey. Amidst the coldness of the earth, he proclaims, "Peace on Earth," his voice a blend of hope and weariness. Skepticism meets this declaration as the speaker questions the feasibility of such a peace, poking at the belief in a divine entity and the celebration of a birth said to change mankind. Ichabod, with a mix of sorrow and wisdom, challenges conventional faith, suggesting a God beyond the…
1. The Three Taverns
  
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Chapter

Nimmo

by LovelyMay — In "Nimmo," the narrator reflects on the complex and seemingly absurd stories surrounding a man named Nimmo, whom the audience is presumed to have known. The poet begins by criticizing the fanciful tales that have been spun about Nimmo, suggesting that the truth has been lost amidst these embellishments. Despite leading the audience into these stories, the narrator expresses regret, indicating a deeper, more poignant connection to Nimmo's legacy. Nimmo is remembered for his remarkable eyes, which were…
1. The Three Taverns
  
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Chapter

Rahel to Varnhagen

by LovelyMay — In "Rahel to Varnhagen," a poem that unfolds a complex emotional and intellectual dialogue between Rahel Robert and Varnhagen von Ense, Edwin Arlington Robinson masterfully captures the nuances of a relationship marked by its depth, intellectualism, and the struggles of love. Rahel, having shared her life's passions and her previous correspondence, reveals herself to an extent that she believes should either bind Varnhagen closer to her or drive him away. Her initial dismay at Varnhagen's unwavering…
1. The Three Taverns
  
  29.4 K Words • Ongoing
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2.5 K Apr 4, '25 0

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Chapter

Tasker Norcross

by LovelyMay — "The Three Taverns: A Book of Poems" by Edwin Arlington Robinson includes the poem "Tasker Norcross", a narrative that unfolds through a dialogue mainly between the speaker and a character named Ferguson. The poem opens with a reflection on the types of people inhabiting a town, categorized into three groups: the good, the not-so-good, and Tasker Norcross, a figure who seems to exist outside these classifications due to his unique nature, eventually leading to the assertion that now only two types remain,…
1. The Three Taverns
  
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