Government muddles, departments dazed,
Fear and confusion wherever he gazed;
Order insulted, authority spurned,
Dread and distraction wherever he turned —
Oh, the great King Splosh was a sad, sore king,
With never a statesman to straighten the thing.
Glus all importunate urging their claims,
With selfish intent and ulterior aims,
Glugs with petitions for this and for that,
Standing ten-deep on the royal door-mat,
Raging when nobody answered their ring —
Oh, the great King Splosh was a careworn king.
And he looked to the right, and he glanced to the left,
And he glared at the roof like a monarch bereft
Of his wisdom and wits and his wealth all in one;
And, at least once a minute, asked, "What's to be done?"
But the Swanks stood around him and answered, with groans,
"Your majesty, Gosh is half buried in stones!"
"How now?" cried the King. "Is there not in my land
One Glug who can cope with this dreadful demand:
A rich man, a poor man, a beggar man, thief —
I reck not his rank so he lessen my grief —
A soldier, a sailor, a — " Raising his head,
With relief in his eye, "Now, I mind me!" he said.
"I mind me a Tinker, and what once befel,
When I think, on the whole, he was treated not well.
But he shall be honoured, and he shall be famed
If he read me this riddle. But how is he named?
Some commonplace title, like-Simon?-No-Sym!
Go, send out my riders, and scour Gosh for him."
They rode for a day to the sea in the South,
Calling the name of him, hand to the mouth.
They rode for a day to the hills in the East,
But signs of a tinker saw never the least.
Then they rode to the North thro' a whole day long,
And paused in the even to hark to a song.
"Kettles and pans! Kettles and pans!
Oh, who can show tresses like Emily Ann's?
Brown in the shadow and gold at the tips,
Bright as the smile on her beckoning lips.
Bring out your kettle! 0 kettle or pan!
So I buy me a ribband for Emily Ann."
With his feet in the grass, and his back to a tree,
Merry as only a tinker can be,
Busily tinkering, mending a pan,
Singing as only a merry man can...
"Sym!" cried the riders. "'Tis thus you are styled?"
And he paused in his singing, and nodded and smiled.
Said he: "Last eve, when the sun was low,
Down thro' the bracken I watched her go —
Down thro' the bracken, with simple grace —
And the glory of eve shone full on her face;
And there on the sky-line it lingered a span,
So loth to be leaving my Emily Arm."
With hands to their faces the riders smiled.
"Sym," they said — "be it so you're styled —
Behold, great Splosh, our sorrowing King,
Has sent us hither, that we may bring
To the palace in Gosh a Glug so named,
That he may be honoured and justly famed."
"Yet," said Sym, as he tinkered his can,
"What should you know of her, Emily Ann?
Early as cock-crow yester morn
I watched young sunbeams, newly born,
As out of the East they frolicked and ran,
Eager to greet her, my Emily Arm."
"King Splosh," said the riders, "is bowed with grief;
And the glory of Gosh is a yellowing leaf.
Up with you, Tinker! There's work ahead.
With a King forsaken, and Swanks in dread,
To whom may we turn for the salving of man?"
And Sym, he answered them, "Emily Ann."
Said he: "Whenever I watch her pass,
With her skirts so high o'er the dew-wet grass,
I envy every blade the bruise
It earns in the cause of her twinkling shoes.
Oh, the dew-wet grass, where this morn she ran,
Was doubly jewelled for Emily Ann."
"But haste!" they cried. "By the palace gates
A sorrowing king for a tinker waits.
And what shall we answer our Lord the King
If never a tinker hence we bring,
To tinker a kingdom so sore amiss?"
But Sym, he said to them, "Answer him this:
'Every eve, when the clock chimes eight,
I kiss her fair, by her mother's gate:
Twice, all reverent, on the brow-
Once for a pray'r, and once for a vow;
Twice on her eyes that they may shine,
Then, full on the mouth because she's mine."'
"Calf!" sneered the riders. "O Tinker, heed!
Mount and away with us, we must speed.
All Gosh is agog for the coming of Sym.
Garlands and greatness are waiting for him:
Garlands of roses, and garments of red
And a chaplet for crowning a conqueror's head."
"Listen," quoth Sym, as he stirred his fire.
"Once in my life have I known desire.
Then, Oh, but the touch of her kindled a flame
That burns as a sun by the candle of fame.
And a blessing and boon for a poor tinker man
Looks out from the eyes of my Emily Ann."
Then they said to him, "Fool! Do you cast aside
Promise of honour, and place, and pride,
Gold for the asking, and power o'er men-
Working your will with the stroke of a pen?
Vexed were the King if you ride not with us."
But Sym, he said to them, "Answer him thus:
'Ease and honour and leave to live —
These are the gifts that a king may give
'Twas over the meadow I saw her first;
And my lips grew parched like a man athirst
Oh, my treasure was ne'er in the gift of man;
For the gods have given me Emily Ann."
"Listen," said they, "O you crazy Sym.
Roses perish, and eyes grow dim.
Lustre fades from the fairest hair.
Who weds a woman links arms with care.
But women there are in the city of Gosh —
Ay, even the daughters of good King Splosh..."
"Care," said Sym, "is a weed that springs
Even to-day in the gardens of kings.
And I, who have lived 'neath the tent of the skies,
Know of the flowers, and which to prize...
Give you good even! For now I must jog."
And he whistled him once to his little red dog.
Into the meadow and over the stile,
Off went the tinker man, singing the while;
Down by the bracken patch, over the hill,
With the little red dog at the heel of him still.
And back, as he soberly sauntered along,
There came to the riders the tail of his song.
"Kettles and pots! Kettles and pans!
Strong is my arm if the cause it be man's.
But a fig for the cause of a cunning old king;
For Emily Ann will be mine in the Spring.
Then nought shall I labour for Splosh or his plans;
Tho' I'll mend him a kettle. Ho, kettles and pans!"
Poem Analysis:
C. J. Dennis, an Australian poet renowned for his humorous and satirical works, presents "Emily Ann" as a whimsical narrative poem that intertwines themes of love, simplicity, and defiance against societal expectations. Through the character of Sym, the tinker man, Dennis offers a refreshing perspective on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Satirical Commentary: "Emily Ann" serves as a satirical commentary on the values and priorities of society, particularly through the contrast between Sym, the carefree tinker, and the Swanks and King Splosh, who represent authority and convention. Dennis critiques the pursuit of wealth, power, and prestige, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in the simple joys of love and companionship.
Sym's Character: Sym emerges as the embodiment of simplicity, contentment, and authenticity. His carefree demeanor, love for Emily Ann, and rejection of societal norms challenge the notion that material success equates to happiness. Sym's unwavering devotion to Emily Ann underscores the transformative power of love and the fulfillment found in genuine human connections.
The Symbolism of Emily Ann: Emily Ann symbolizes innocence, beauty, and purity in the poem. She represents a source of inspiration and hope amidst the chaos and turmoil of the world. Through her character, Dennis highlights the transformative and uplifting influence of love, which transcends social barriers and brings meaning to life.
Defiance Against Expectations: Sym's refusal to conform to societal expectations reflects a spirit of defiance and independence. Despite the allure of wealth and status, he remains true to his own values and priorities, prioritizing love and personal fulfillment above all else. Sym's decision to follow his heart rather than succumb to external pressures resonates with readers who yearn for authenticity and freedom.
Humor and Irony: Dennis infuses "Emily Ann" with humor and irony, particularly in Sym's interactions with the Swanks and King Splosh. Sym's lighthearted banter and playful defiance add depth and charm to the poem, inviting readers to reconsider the meaning of success and happiness in their own lives.
Themes of Love and Devotion: At its core, "Emily Ann" celebrates the enduring power of love and devotion. Sym's unwavering commitment to Emily Ann serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for genuine connection amidst life's trials and tribulations. Through Sym and Emily Ann's relationship, Dennis highlights the transformative and healing nature of love.
The Rejection of Materialism: Dennis critiques the superficiality and materialism prevalent in society, emphasizing the emptiness of wealth and status in the absence of love and human connection. Sym's rejection of wealth and power in favor of love underscores the poem's central message that true fulfillment comes from within, rather than from external sources.
The Power of Simplicity: "Emily Ann" extols the virtues of simplicity, authenticity, and contentment. Through Sym's humble existence as a tinker, Dennis celebrates the beauty of life's simple pleasures and the joy found in the company of loved ones. The poem serves as a reminder to embrace life's moments of serenity and love amidst the chaos of the world.
In conclusion, "Emily Ann" by C. J. Dennis is a whimsical and heartfelt exploration of love, simplicity, and defiance against societal expectations. Through the character of Sym, Dennis offers a poignant reflection on the true essence of happiness and fulfillment, inviting readers to embrace the transformative power of love and authenticity in their own lives.
