On the Recovery of Jessy Lewars
By Robert Burns
But rarely seen since Nature’s birth,
The natives of the sky;
Yet still one seraph’s left on earth,
For Jessy did not die.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was known for his ability to infuse deep emotion into concise poetic forms. His poem On the Recovery of Jessy Lewars is a brief but touching piece that celebrates the recovery of Jessy Lewars, a young woman who played a significant role in Burns’ final years. Despite its brevity, the poem conveys themes of gratitude, admiration, and the divine nature of human goodness.
Context and Background
Jessy Lewars was a close friend and caretaker of Burns during his last illness in 1796. As Burns’ health deteriorated, she provided comfort and assistance to both him and his family. In return for her kindness, Burns wrote several verses dedicated to her, including this poem, which expresses his joy at her recovery from an illness.
The Rarity of Divine Beings on Earth
The poem begins with a statement about the rarity of celestial beings in the mortal world:
"But rarely seen since Nature’s birth,The natives of the sky;"
Here, Burns suggests that angels—"natives of the sky"—are seldom found on Earth. This line sets up the idea that truly pure and virtuous individuals are exceptional in the human realm.
Jessy as a Living Angel
The second half of the poem delivers its emotional impact:
"Yet still one seraph’s left on earth,For Jessy did not die."
By referring to Jessy as a "seraph" (a type of angel), Burns elevates her to a near-divine status, emphasizing her kindness and goodness. The joy of her survival is not just personal but symbolic—her presence represents the continuation of rare, angelic virtue in a world where such qualities are scarce.
Celebration of Life and Gratitude
At its core, the poem is an expression of relief and gratitude. Burns, who had experienced significant suffering toward the end of his life, found solace in the kindness of Jessy Lewars. Her recovery from illness is not just a personal victory but a reaffirmation of goodness in the world.
Poetic Structure and Style
The poem is a simple quatrain (four-line stanza) with a rhyming pattern of ABAB. This structure enhances its musicality and makes it easy to remember—an important quality in Burns’ tradition of oral and written poetry.
The language is direct yet profound. Burns uses celestial imagery to create contrast between the rarity of angelic figures and Jessy’s continued presence, reinforcing the poem’s central message: that her survival is a gift to the world.
On the Recovery of Jessy Lewars is a heartfelt tribute that encapsulates Robert Burns’ gratitude and admiration for a woman who provided him with care during his final days. The poem’s simplicity enhances its sincerity, making it a powerful expression of joy and appreciation. Through angelic imagery and a compact poetic structure, Burns immortalizes Jessy Lewars not just as a friend but as a rare and precious presence in a world where true kindness is uncommon.