Whan I Sleep I Dream
By Robert Burns
(1)
Whan I sleep I dream,
Whan I wauk I’m eerie,
Sleep I canna get,
For thinkin’ o’ my dearie.
(2)
Lanely night comes on,
A’ the house are sleeping,
I think on the bonnie lad
That has my heart a keeping.
Ay waukin O, waukin ay and wearie,
Sleep I canna get, for thinkin’ o’ my dearie.
(3)
Lanely nights come on,
A’ the house are sleeping,
I think on my bonnie lad,
An’ I blear my een wi’ greetin’!
Ay waukin, &c.
Note:
This presents another version of song LXV. Variations are to a poet what changes are in the thoughts of a painter, and speak of fertility of sentiment in both.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, is known for his lyrical poetry that captures themes of love, longing, and Scottish folk traditions. Whan I Sleep I Dream is a poignant piece that reflects the pain of separation and unfulfilled love. This poem, like many of Burns' works, is infused with deep emotion and the rhythmic qualities of Scottish song.
Theme and Meaning
The central theme of Whan I Sleep I Dream is love and longing. The speaker expresses their inability to find peace, whether awake or asleep, because of their thoughts of a beloved. The recurring motif of sleeplessness highlights emotional turmoil, suggesting that love is both a source of joy and suffering. The poem also explores loneliness, as night becomes a time of sorrow rather than rest.
Burns often wrote about love in various forms—be it unrequited love, enduring affection, or passionate yearning. Here, the speaker’s deep connection to their beloved leads to restlessness, mirroring the universal experience of love-induced insomnia.
Structure and Style
The poem consists of three stanzas, each following a simple yet evocative structure. The use of repetition, particularly in the refrain “Ay waukin O, waukin ay and wearie,” enhances the musicality of the poem, reinforcing its folk-song-like quality. This refrain echoes the speaker’s persistent wakefulness and sorrow.
Burns’ use of Scots dialect adds authenticity and intimacy to the poem. Words like waakin (awake), een (eyes), and greetin’ (weeping) immerse the reader in the cultural and linguistic landscape of Scotland, making the emotional experience even more vivid.
Imagery and Emotional Impact
The imagery in the poem is minimal yet powerful. The contrast between the quietness of the night and the speaker’s restless thoughts creates an intimate atmosphere. Phrases like “Lanely night comes on” and “A’ the house are sleeping” emphasize solitude, while “I blear my een wi’ greetin’” vividly captures the act of crying oneself to exhaustion.
Whan I Sleep I Dream is a delicate yet deeply moving poem that encapsulates the pain of love and separation. Through simple language, repetition, and Scots dialect, Burns creates a lyrical lament that resonates with readers even today. The poem’s structure, rhythmic quality, and emotional depth make it a classic example of Burns’ ability to convey complex human emotions in an accessible and heartfelt manner.