Poem on Life
Addressed to Colonel de Peyster, Dumfries, 1796
By Robert Burns
My honoured colonel, deep I feel
Your interest in the Poet’s weal;
Ah! now sma’ heart hae I to speel
The steep Parnassus,
Surrounded thus by bolus, pill,
And potion glasses.
O what a canty warld were it,
Would pain and care and sickness spare it;
And fortune favour worth and merit,
As they deserve!
(And aye a rowth, roast beef and claret;
Syne, wha wad starve?)
Dame Life, tho’ fiction out may trick her,
And in paste gems and frippery deck her;
Oh! flickering, feeble, and unsicker
I’ve found her still,
Ay wavering like the willow-wicker,
’Tween good and ill.
Then that curst carmagnole, auld Satan,
Watches, like baudrons by a rattan,
Our sinfu’ saul to get a claut on
Wi’ felon ire;
Syne, whip! his tail ye’ll ne’er cast saut on—
He’s aff like fire.
Ah Nick! ah Nick! it is na fair,
First shewing us the tempting ware,
Bright wines and bonnie lasses rare,
To put us daft;
Syne, weave, unseen, thy spider snare
O’ hell’s damn’d waft.
Poor man, the flie, aft bizzes bye,
And aft as chance he comes thee nigh,
Thy auld danm’d elbow yeuks wi’ joy,
And hellish pleasure;
Already in thy fancy’s eye,
Thy sicker treasure!
Soon heels-o’er gowdie! in he gangs,
And like a sheep head on a tangs,
Thy girning laugh enjoys his pangs
And murd’ring wrestle,
As, dangling in the wind, he hangs
A gibbet’s tassel.
But lest you think I am uncivil,
To plague you with this draunting drivel,
Abjuring a’ intentions evil,
I quat my pen:
The Lord preserve us frae the devil,
Amen! amen!
1796
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns’s "Poem on Life" is a satirical and contemplative work that examines the nature of human existence, the trials of life, and the moral struggles faced by individuals. Through its vivid imagery, playful tone, and critical observations, the poem explores themes of human suffering, temptation, and the search for a more satisfying existence.
Theme and Content
The poem reflects on the difficulties and ironies of life, using humor and satire to address serious themes such as suffering, temptation, and the quest for contentment.
- Critique of Life’s Hardships: Burns begins by expressing his struggle with the poet’s life, juxtaposing his creative aspirations with the mundane realities of illness and medication: "Surrounded thus by bolus, pill, / And potion glasses." This sets the stage for a broader commentary on the challenges of life, including pain, care, and sickness.
- Desire for a Better World: The poet imagines an ideal world where "pain and care and sickness" are absent, and where merit is rewarded. He contrasts this ideal with the harsh realities of life, where such rewards are rare and physical needs such as "roast beef and claret" remain unfulfilled for many: "And aye a rowth, roast beef and claret; / Syne, wha wad starve?"
- Disillusionment with Life: Burns reflects on the fickle and unreliable nature of life itself: "Dame Life, tho’ fiction out may trick her, / And in paste gems and frippery deck her." He portrays life as wavering and unstable, caught between good and ill, symbolized by the "willow-wicker," which is flexible and easily swayed.
- Temptation and Sin: The poem introduces "auld Satan" as a malevolent force that entices individuals with temptation and then ensnares them in sin. The imagery of the spider's web and the comparison to a "gibbet’s tassel" emphasize the sinister and destructive nature of temptation and the devil's machinations.
- Critique of Temptation: Burns criticizes the way Satan lures people with pleasures ("Bright wines and bonnie lasses rare") only to later entrap them in moral failings. The poem conveys a sense of betrayal and frustration with the deceptive nature of temptation and the resulting suffering.
- Satirical Tone and Conclusion: Despite the critical and contemplative tone, the poem concludes with a humorous and humble plea: "But lest you think I am uncivil, / To plague you with this draunting drivel, / Abjuring a’ intentions evil, / I quat my pen." Burns’s light-hearted acknowledgment of the poem’s nature and his final plea for divine protection reflect his characteristic blend of satire and sincerity.
Imagery and Tone
Burns uses rich and vivid imagery to convey his themes. The poem features detailed depictions of illness, temptation, and moral struggle, such as the "gibbet’s tassel" representing the consequences of sin. The tone of the poem is a mix of satirical humor and earnest reflection, capturing both the poet’s critical perspective on life and his personal struggles.
The playful and somewhat irreverent tone of the poem, combined with its critical observations, highlights Burns’s skillful use of satire to address serious subjects. His ability to juxtapose humor with deep existential concerns adds depth and complexity to the poem.
Structure and Style
The poem is structured with a conversational and reflective style, featuring a blend of personal commentary and broader societal critique. Burns’s use of Scots dialect and colloquial language enhances the poem’s accessibility and adds authenticity to his observations.
The rhymed and rhythmic structure of the poem contributes to its satirical tone, making it engaging and memorable. Burns’s style combines wit with philosophical insight, allowing him to explore the themes of life and temptation in a manner that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Robert Burns’s "Poem on Life" offers a satirical and reflective exploration of human existence, pain, and temptation. Through its vivid imagery, critical observations, and playful tone, the poem addresses the difficulties of life and the challenges of moral integrity. Burns’s ability to blend humor with serious themes creates a multifaceted commentary on the nature of existence and the search for a more fulfilling life. The poem’s mix of satire and earnest reflection invites readers to consider the complexities of life and the nature of human struggle with a sense of both humor and seriousness.