The Willow-man. Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AABB CCDD EEFF DDGG HHFF IIBB JJDD K AAGG| There once was a Willow and he was very old | A |
| And all his leaves fell off from him and left him in the cold | A |
| But ere the rude winter could buffet him with snow | B |
| There grew upon his hoary head a crop of Mistletoe | B |
| - | |
| All wrinkled and furrowed was this old Willow's skin | C |
| His taper fingers trembled and his arms were very thin | C |
| Two round eyes and hollow that stared but did not see | D |
| And sprawling feet that never walked had this most ancient tree | D |
| - | |
| A Dame who dwelt near was the only one who knew | E |
| That every year upon his head the Christmas berries grew | E |
| And when the Dame cut them she said it was her whim | F |
| A merry Christmas to you Sir and left a bit for him | F |
| - | |
| Oh Granny dear tell us the children cried where we | D |
| May find the shining Mistletoe that grows upon the tree | D |
| At length the Dame told them but cautioned them to mind | G |
| To greet the Willow civilly and leave a bit behind | G |
| - | |
| Who cares said the children for this old Willow man | H |
| We'll take the Mistletoe and he may catch us if he can | H |
| With rage the ancient Willow shakes in every limb | F |
| For they have taken all and have not left a bit for him | F |
| - | |
| Then bright gleamed the holly the Christmas berries shone | I |
| But in the wintry wind without the Willow man did moan | I |
| Ungrateful and wasteful the mystic Mistletoe | B |
| A hundred years hath grown on me but never more shall grow | B |
| - | |
| A year soon passed by and the children came once more | J |
| But not a sprig of Mistletoe the aged Willow bore | J |
| Each slender spray pointed he mocked them in his glee | D |
| And chuckled in his wooden heart that ancient Willow tree | D |
| - | |
| MORAL | K |
| - | |
| Oh children who gather the spoils of wood and wold | A |
| From selfish greed and wilful waste your little hands withhold | A |
| Though fair things be common this moral bear in mind | G |
| Pick thankfully and modestly and leave a bit behind | G |
Juliana Horatia Ewing
(1)
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