Written on the Blank Leaf of my Poems (Poem by Robert Burns)

Written on the Blank Leaf of my Poems, Presented to an Old Sweetheart then Married

By Robert Burns

Once fondly lov’d and still remember’d dear;

    Sweet early object of my youthful vows!

Accept this mark of friendship, warm, sincere, — 

    Friendship! ’tis all cold duty now allows.

And when you read the simple artless rhymes,

    One friendly sigh for him — he asks no more, — 

Who distant burns in flaming torrid climes,

    Or haply lies beneath th’ Atlantic roar.

Poem Analysis:

"Written on the Blank Leaf of my Poems" by Robert Burns is a poignant and introspective poem that reflects on love, friendship, and the passage of time. Through the speaker's heartfelt words, Burns conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love, while also acknowledging the limitations of present circumstances.

Addressing the Beloved: The poem begins with the speaker addressing the "fondly lov’d" and "remember’d dear" recipient of the poem. This suggests a deep emotional connection and affection for the individual, indicating that they were once the object of the speaker's "youthful vows."

Expression of Friendship: The speaker then offers the poem as a "mark of friendship, warm, sincere," highlighting the enduring bond of friendship that remains despite any changes in their relationship. This gesture underscores the speaker's desire to maintain a connection with the recipient, even if it is constrained by external circumstances.

Recognition of Duty: However, the speaker acknowledges that their expression of friendship is limited by "cold duty" — suggesting that societal expectations or constraints may prevent them from fully expressing their true feelings. This juxtaposition of warmth and duty reflects the complexities of human relationships and the compromises that must sometimes be made.

Appeal for Remembrance: The speaker then requests that the recipient remember them kindly when reading the "simple artless rhymes" contained within the poem. This plea for remembrance suggests a longing for connection and recognition, even across physical and emotional distance.

Acknowledgment of Distance: Lastly, the speaker reveals their own distant circumstances, indicating that they may be "in flaming torrid climes" or even "beneath th’ Atlantic roar." This acknowledgment of physical separation underscores the theme of longing and nostalgia present throughout the poem, as well as the speaker's awareness of the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

In conclusion, "Written on the Blank Leaf of my Poems" is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the passage of time. Through its heartfelt language and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of connection, even in the face of distance and change.