'To Charles Baxter' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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OUR Johnie's deid.The mair's the pity!
He's deid, an' deid o' Aqua-vitae.
O Embro', you're a shrunken city,
Noo Johnie's deid!
Tak hands, an' sing a burial ditty
Ower Johnie's heid.
To see him was baith drink an' meat,
Gaun linkin' glegly up the street.
He but to rin or tak a seat,
The wee bit body!
Bein' aye unsicken on his feet
Wi' whusky toddy.
To be aye tosh was Johnie's whim,
There's nane was better teut than him,
Though whiles his gravit-knot wad clim'
Ahint his ear,
An' whiles he'd buttons oot or in
The less ae mair.
His hair a' lang about his bree,
His tap-lip lang by inches three -
A slockened sort 'mon,' to pree
A' sensuality -
A droutly glint was in his e'e
An' personality.
An' day an' nicht, frae daw to daw,
Dink an' perjink an' doucely braw,
Wi' a kind o' Gospel ower a',
May or October,
Like Peden, followin' the Law
An' no that sober.
Whusky an' he were pack thegether.
Whate'er the hour, whate'er the weather,
John kept himsel' wi' mistened leather
An' kindled spunk.
Wi' him, there was nae askin' whether -
John was aye drunk.
The auncient heroes gash an' bauld
In the uncanny days of auld,
The task ance fo(u)nd to which th'were called,
Stack stenchly to it.
His life sic noble lives recalled,
Little's he knew it.
Single an' straucht, he went his way.
He kept the faith an' played the play.
Whusky an' he were man an' may
Whate'er betided.
Bonny in life - in death - this twae
Were no' divided.
An' wow! but John was unco sport.
Whiles he wad smile about the Court
Malvolio-like - whiles snore an' snort
Was heard afar.
The idle winter lads' resort
Was aye John's bar.
What's merely humorous or bonny
The Worl' regairds wi' cauld astony.
Drunk men tak' aye mair place than ony;
An' sae, ye see,
The gate was aye ower thrang for Johnie -
Or you an' me.
John micht hae jingled cap an' bells,
Been a braw fule in silks an' pells,
In ane o' the auld worl's canty hells
Paris or Sodom.
I wadnae had him naething else
But Johnie Adam.
He suffered - as have a' that wan
Eternal memory frae man,
Since e'er the weary worl' began -
Mister or Madam,
Keats or Scots Burns, the Spanish Don
Or Johnie Adam.
We leuch, an' Johnie deid.An' fegs!
Hoo he had keept his stoiterin' legs
Sae lang's he did's a fact that begs
An explanation.
He stachers fifty years - syne plegs
To's destination.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpreting "To Charles Baxter" by Robert Louis Stevenson
"To Charles Baxter" is a poem written by Robert Louis Stevenson that was first published in 1887 in his collection of poems entitled "Underwoods." The poem is a tribute to Stevenson's dear friend and mentor, Charles Baxter. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will discuss the poem's themes, language, and structure to understand its significance.
Summary
The poem consists of 40 lines and is divided into six stanzas. The poem begins with Stevenson addressing his friend, Charles Baxter, and expressing his gratitude for him. The speaker states that Baxter has been a guiding light in his life, and he is grateful for his friendship. The speaker then goes on to describe the qualities that make Baxter a great friend. He praises Baxter's kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. The speaker ends the poem by expressing his hope that their friendship will continue to flourish.
Themes
The primary theme of "To Charles Baxter" is friendship. Stevenson celebrates the importance of having a good friend in one's life. He describes Baxter as a loyal and trustworthy friend who has been a constant source of support and guidance. The poem suggests that a good friend is someone who is kind, wise, and has a good sense of humor. Friendship, according to the poem, is a vital aspect of life that brings joy and comfort to individuals.
Another theme in the poem is gratitude. Stevenson expresses his gratitude towards Baxter for being a good friend. The speaker acknowledges the impact Baxter has had on his life and how he has guided him through difficult times. The poem reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude towards those who have helped us in life.
Language
The language of the poem is straightforward and simple, with a conversational tone. Stevenson uses vivid imagery to describe his friend, Charles Baxter. For example, in the first stanza, he describes Baxter as a "beacon" and a "star" that has guided him through life. The use of these metaphors creates a sense of admiration and respect for Baxter.
Stevenson also uses alliteration and repetition in the poem to create a musical quality. In the second stanza, he writes, "Thy wisdom, wit, and worth, to me / Like bodies three in one combine." The use of alliteration in this line emphasizes the importance of these qualities in his friend. Additionally, the repetition of the word "thy" emphasizes the speaker's admiration for Baxter.
Structure
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four to six lines. The rhyming scheme is aabbccdd, which creates a sense of musicality to the poem. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, mirroring the language's simplicity. The use of short stanzas and a consistent rhyming scheme creates a sense of harmony and balance in the poem.
Interpretation
"To Charles Baxter" is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend. The poem conveys a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for Baxter, who has been a guiding light in Stevenson's life. The poem suggests that friendship is an essential aspect of life that brings joy, comfort, and guidance. The use of vivid imagery, alliteration, and repetition creates a sense of musicality and admiration for Baxter.
The poem's simplicity and structure reflect the importance of having a good friend. Stevenson's use of straightforward language suggests that friendship does not have to be complicated but can be a simple and essential part of life. The poem reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude towards those who have helped us in life.
In conclusion, "To Charles Baxter" is a beautiful and heartfelt poem. It celebrates friendship, gratitude, and the qualities that make a good friend. The poem's language and structure convey a sense of admiration and respect for Baxter, who has been a guiding light in Stevenson's life. The poem is a reminder of the importance of having good friends and showing gratitude towards those who have helped us in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry to Charles Baxter: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his captivating literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry to Charles Baxter," a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional talent for weaving words into a beautiful tapestry of emotions and imagery.
The poem is a tribute to Stevenson's close friend, Charles Baxter, who was a fellow writer and literary critic. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for Baxter's support and encouragement in Stevenson's literary pursuits. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and tone.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Stevenson expressing his gratitude to Baxter for his unwavering support. He describes Baxter as a "friend of old" who has been with him through thick and thin. The stanza is filled with imagery that evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, with phrases like "fireside talk" and "the kindly beacon of your lamp." Stevenson's use of imagery is masterful, as he paints a picture of a cozy, intimate setting that is both inviting and comforting.
The second stanza takes a more introspective turn, as Stevenson reflects on the power of poetry and its ability to transport the reader to another world. He describes poetry as a "magic mirror" that reflects the beauty and wonder of the world around us. He also acknowledges the role that Baxter has played in his own poetic journey, stating that "your voice has led me on." This stanza is particularly powerful, as it highlights the transformative power of poetry and the importance of having a mentor or guide to help navigate the often complex and challenging world of literature.
The final stanza is a beautiful tribute to Baxter's own poetic talent. Stevenson describes Baxter's writing as "pure and bright," with a "silver ring" that sets it apart from the rest. He also acknowledges the challenges that come with being a writer, stating that "the poet's heart is still a-breaking." This stanza is a testament to the deep respect and admiration that Stevenson had for Baxter's writing, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the talent of others.
Overall, "Poetry to Charles Baxter" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. It is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend and mentor, as well as a celebration of the transformative power of poetry. Stevenson's use of imagery and language is masterful, and his ability to evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and wonder is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the importance of having a supportive community of writers and readers to help navigate the often complex and challenging world of literature.
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