Calico Pie
By Edward Lear
(1)
Calico Pie,
The Little Birds fly
Down to the calico tree,
Their wings were blue,
And they sang “Tilly-loo!”
Till away they flew, —
And they never came back to me!
They never came back!
They never came back!
They never came back to me!
(2)
Calico Jam,
The little Fish swam
Over the syllabub sea,
He took off his hat,
To the Sole and the Sprat,
And the Willeby-wat, —
But he never came back to me!
He never came back!
He never came back!
He never came back to me!
(3)
Calico Ban,
The little Mice ran,
To be ready in time for tea,
Flippity flup,
They drank it all up,
And danced in the cup, —
But they never came back to me!
They never came back!
They never came back!
They never came back to me!
(4)
Calico Drum,
The Grasshoppers come,
The Butterfly, Beetle, and Bee,
Over the ground,
Around and around,
With a hop and a bound —
But they never came back!
They never came back!
They never came back!
They never came back to me!
Poem Analysis:
Edward Lear’s Calico Pie is a whimsical and melancholic poem that embodies his signature style of nonsense verse. Written as part of his larger body of work that includes A Book of Nonsense (1846), this poem blends playful imagery with a recurring theme of loss and departure, making it both enchanting and subtly poignant.
Themes and Meaning
- Nonsense and Playfulness: At its core, Calico Pie is a delightful example of Lear’s mastery of nonsense verse. The poem presents a series of whimsical scenarios featuring birds, fish, mice, and insects, all engaging in peculiar activities before vanishing forever. The repetition of the phrase “They never came back to me!” reinforces a playful but mysterious tone, as each stanza depicts an imagined world that ultimately dissipates.
- Loss and Nostalgia: Beneath its whimsical surface, the poem also carries an undercurrent of melancholy. The speaker repeatedly laments the loss of the birds, fish, mice, and insects, suggesting a sense of longing or childhood innocence lost over time. This theme resonates with many of Lear’s works, where moments of joy are fleeting, and the world’s magic is often ephemeral.
- The Surreal and the Absurd: The nonsensical elements, such as a “syllabub sea” and a fish tipping its hat, contribute to the poem’s dreamlike quality. Lear’s use of these absurdities invites the reader into a world unbound by logic, one where animals partake in human-like behaviors but ultimately escape the grasp of reality.
Structure and Style
- Repetition and Rhythm: The poem follows a simple and rhythmic pattern, making it highly musical. Each stanza consists of a main event followed by the refrain “They never came back to me!” This repetition reinforces the inevitability of loss while also making the poem easy to recite, almost like a nursery rhyme.
- Use of Imagery: Lear’s vivid descriptions enhance the whimsical nature of the poem. The “Calico Tree” and “syllabub sea” evoke a fantasy landscape, while the depiction of small creatures engaged in charming activities—birds singing, fish greeting each other, mice drinking tea—adds to the enchantment.
- Sound Play and Nonsense Words: The playful use of alliteration and invented words like “Willeby-wat” and “Flippity flup” contribute to the poem’s delightful rhythm. This linguistic playfulness is a hallmark of Lear’s poetry, appealing to both children and adults who appreciate the musicality of nonsense verse.
Interpretation and Legacy
Calico Pie can be seen as both a simple, delightful children’s rhyme and a deeper reflection on the passage of time and the transience of joy. Lear’s ability to blend humor with hints of sadness makes his work enduringly compelling. The poem’s influence is evident in later nonsense literature and in the tradition of surreal children’s poetry, inspiring writers such as Lewis Carroll and Dr. Seuss.
Edward Lear’s Calico Pie is a masterful example of nonsense poetry, weaving playful imagery, musical repetition, and a subtle sense of loss. While seemingly lighthearted, the poem carries a wistful undertone, making it a timeless piece that resonates across generations. Whether read as a whimsical children’s poem or as a meditation on impermanence, Calico Pie remains a testament to Lear’s genius in blending nonsense with emotional depth.