Lines Read at a Maple Sugar Social
April, 1888
By James McIntyre
Our first Canadian job when boy,
In the big woods we did enjoy,
Large maple bush we then did tap
And to camp carried maple sap.
We stored it in great wooden trough,
Then in big kettles sugared off,
Though often it did try our mettle
To keep up fire beneath each kettle.
For it was a serious toil
To cut the wood to kettles boil,
To-night it is a pleasant joke,
No trouble from the fire and smoke.
Of old we thought our neck was broke
By having on it a neckyoke,
And on each side a heavy pail
Suspended from the yoke by bail.
We waded through the snow and slush
And stumbled o'er the logs in bush,
But no doubt the maple's sweeter
Than any other thing in meter.
Unless it is the lips of lass,
Which maple sugar doth surpass,
And may it be each young man's fate
For to secure a charming mate.
For birds will soon begin to sing
And seek their mates in early spring,
When found each pair do feel they're blest,
When they have finished their warm nest.
Let none at sugar making scoff,
Webster was rocked in a sap trough;
When boiling sap it is quite handy
To pour some in snow to make candy.
Poem Analysis:
In “Lines Read at a Maple Sugar Social,” James McIntyre captures the essence of Canadian rural life through a nostalgic recollection of maple sugar production. This poem evokes a sense of community, tradition, and the simple pleasures associated with springtime rituals. Through a blend of humor and vivid imagery, McIntyre reflects on the hard work involved in maple sugaring while also celebrating the sweetness of life.
Themes and Content
- Nostalgia for Childhood: The poem opens with a reminiscence of the speaker’s childhood experiences tapping maple trees. This theme of nostalgia is prevalent as McIntyre fondly recalls the joys and struggles of youth, emphasizing the innocence and simplicity of those formative years.
- Labor and Reward: McIntyre highlights the labor-intensive process of making maple syrup. The imagery of “cut the wood to kettles boil” and “keep up fire beneath each kettle” illustrates the hard work involved. However, this toil is balanced by the sweet reward of maple sugar, symbolizing the notion that hard work leads to cherished outcomes.
- Nature and Seasonal Change: The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the changing seasons. The reference to spring as a time when “birds will soon begin to sing” serves as a reminder of renewal and the promise of new beginnings. The process of maple sugaring aligns with the awakening of nature, symbolizing growth and fertility.
- Romantic Undertones: There is a playful romanticism in the lines “Unless it is the lips of lass, / Which maple sugar doth surpass.” McIntyre juxtaposes the sweetness of maple sugar with the sweetness of romantic affection, suggesting that love, like maple syrup, is a delightful and rewarding experience. This lighthearted comparison adds depth to the poem’s themes.
Imagery and Symbolism
- Imagery of Maple Sugaring: McIntyre uses vivid imagery to convey the sights and sounds of the maple sugar process. Phrases like “large maple bush we then did tap” and “in big kettles sugared off” create a sensory experience that immerses the reader in the rural setting. The detailed descriptions help readers visualize the labor involved in sugaring.
- Symbolism of the Maple Tree: The maple tree serves as a powerful symbol of Canadian identity and heritage. It represents not only the physical landscape but also the cultural traditions that are deeply rooted in the community. The act of tapping maple trees becomes a ritual that connects generations and reinforces a sense of belonging.
- Juxtaposition of Hardship and Delight: McIntyre effectively juxtaposes the hard labor of sugar-making with the joy it brings. The line “To-night it is a pleasant joke” reflects how the struggles of the past have become fond memories, highlighting the idea that time often softens the edges of hardship.
Structure and Style
- Rhythm and Rhyme: The poem features a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, which contributes to its musical quality. This structured form makes the poem engaging and easy to read aloud, enhancing its celebratory tone.
- Conversational Tone: McIntyre employs a conversational tone, inviting readers into the communal experience of the maple sugar social. The use of informal language and direct address creates a friendly atmosphere, fostering a sense of connection between the speaker and the audience.
- Humor and Playfulness: The poem contains a playful sense of humor, particularly in references to the “neckyoke” and the physical challenges faced during sugaring. This light-heartedness adds a layer of enjoyment to the poem, making it relatable and entertaining.
“Lines Read at a Maple Sugar Social” by James McIntyre is a heartfelt tribute to the joys of rural life, childhood nostalgia, and the cherished traditions of maple sugaring. Through vivid imagery, humor, and a rhythmic structure, McIntyre captures the essence of a community coming together to celebrate the sweetness of spring. The poem not only highlights the labor and rewards of sugaring but also intertwines themes of nature, love, and the passage of time. Ultimately, McIntyre’s work serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures that enrich life and the importance of community bonds in shaping one’s identity and memories.