'Adieu to Belshanny' by William Allingham
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Adieu to Belashanny! where I was bred and born;
Go where I may, I'll think of you, as sure as night and morn.
The kindly spot, the friendly town, where every one is known,
And not a face in all the place but partly seems my own;
There's not a house or window, there's not a field or hill,
But, east or west, in foreign lands, I recollect them still.
I leave my warm heart with you, tho' my back I'm forced to turn
Adieu to Belashanny, and the winding banks of Erne!
No more on pleasant evenings we'll saunter down the Mall,
When the trout is rising to the fly, the salmon to the fall.
The boat comes straining on her net, and heavily she creeps,
Cast off, cast off - she feels the oars, and to her berth she sweeps;
Now fore and aft keep hauling, and gathering up the clew.
Till a silver wave of salmon rolls in among the crew.
Then they may sit, with pipes a-lit, and many a joke and 'yarn'
Adieu to Belashanny; and the winding banks of Erne!
The music of the waterfall, the mirror of the tide,
When all the green-hill'd harbour is full from side to side,
From Portnasun to Bulliebawns, and round the Abbey Bay,
From rocky inis saimer to Coolnargit sand-hills gray;
While far upon the southern line, to guard it like a wall,
The Leitrim mountains clothed in blue gaze calmly over all,
And watch the ship sail up or down, the red flag at her stern
Adieu to these, adieu to all the winding banks of Erne!
Farewell to you, Kildoney lads, and them that pull on oar,
A lug-sail set, or haul a net, from the Point to Mullaghmore;
From Killybegs to bold Slieve-League, that ocean-Mountain steep,
Six hundred yards in air aloft, six hundred in the deep,
From Dooran to the Fairy Bridge, and round by Tullen Strand,
Level and long, and white with waves, where gull and Curlew stand;
Head out to sea when on your lee the breakers you Discern!
Adieu to all the billowy coast, and winding banks ofErne!
Farewell, Coolmore - Bundoran! And your summercrowds that run
From inland homes to see with joy th'Atlantic-setting sun;
To breathe the buoyant salted air, and sport among the waves;
To gather shells on sandy beach, and tempt the gloomy caves;
To watch the flowing, ebbing tide, the boats, the crabs, The fish;
Young men and maids to meet and smile, and form a tender wish;
The sick and old in search of health, for all things have their turn
And I must quit my native shore, and the winding banks of Erne!
Farewell to every white cascade from the Harbour to Belleek
And every pool where fins may rest, and ivy-shaded creek;
The sloping fields, the lofty rocks, where ash and holly grow,
The one split yew-tree gazing on the curving flood below;
The Lough, that winds through islands under Turaw mountain green;
And Castle Caldwell's stretching woods, with tranquil bays between;
And Breesie Hill, and many a pond among the heath and fern
For I must say adieu-adieu to the winding banks of Erne!
The thrush will call through Camlin groves the live- long summer day;
The waters run by mossy cliff, and banks with wild flowers gay;
The girls will bring their work and sing beneath a twisted thorn,
Or stray with sweethearts down the path among growing corn;
Along the river-side they go, where I have often been,
O never shall I see again the days that I have seen!
A thousand chances are to one I never may return
Adieu to Belashanny, and the winding banks of Erne!
Adieu to evening dances, when merry neighbours meet,
And the fiddle says to boys and girls, "Get up shake your feet!"
To 'shanachus' and wise old talk of Erin's gone by -
Who trench'd the rath on such a hill, and where the bones may lie
Of saint, or king, or warrior chief; with tales of fairy power,
And tender ditties sweetly sung to pass the twilight hour.
The mournful song of exile is now for me to learn
Adieu, my dear companions on the winding banks of Erne!
Now measure from the Commons down to each end of the Purt,
Round the Abbey, Moy, and Knather - I wish no one any hurt;
The Main Street, Back Street, College Lane, the Mall,and Portnasun,
If any foes of mine are there, I pardon every one.
I hope that man and womankind will do the same by me;
For my heart is sore and heavy at voyaging the sea.
My loving friends I'll bear in mind, and often fondly turn
To think of Belashanny, and the winding banks of Erne.
If ever I'm a money'd man, I mean, please God, to cast
My golden anchor in the place where youthful years were pass'd;
Though heads that now are black and brown must meanwhile gather gray,
New faces rise by every hearth, and old ones drop away
Yet dearer still that Irish hill than all the world beside;
It's home, sweet home, where'er I roam, through lands and waters wide.
And if the Lord allows me, I surely will return
To my native Belashanny, and the winding banks of Erne.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Adieu to Belshanny: A Masterpiece of Irish Romantic Poetry
William Allingham’s “Adieu to Belshanny” is a remarkable piece of poetry that captures the essence of Irish romanticism. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the poet’s childhood home, Belshanny, which he bids farewell to in a poignant and nostalgic manner. With its vivid imagery, musicality, and emotional depth, “Adieu to Belshanny” remains a classic example of Irish poetry that has stood the test of time.
Background and Context
William Allingham was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, in 1824. He grew up in a rural and picturesque environment that had a profound impact on his imagination and artistic sensibility. Allingham was deeply influenced by the romantic poets of his time, such as Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats, as well as by the rich oral traditions of the Irish countryside. His poetry reflects a fusion of these influences, blending the themes of nature, love, and spirituality with the rhythms and cadences of Irish speech.
“Adieu to Belshanny” was written in 1849, when Allingham was only 25 years old. The poem was first published in the Dublin University Magazine in 1850, and it quickly gained popularity for its lyrical beauty and heartfelt sentiment. The poem is a farewell to Belshanny, Allingham’s childhood home, which he had to leave to pursue his literary career in London. The poem expresses the poet’s deep attachment to his native land and his longing for its beauty and simplicity.
Analysis and Interpretation
“Adieu to Belshanny” is a four-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other, and the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth lines rhyming with each other. This gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its charm and appeal.
The poem begins with the speaker bidding farewell to Belshanny, saying “Adieu, adieu to Belshanny!/ Where I was bred and born;/ Go where I may, I’ll think of thee,/ As sure as night and morn.” The opening lines establish the tone and theme of the poem, which is one of farewell and nostalgia. The speaker acknowledges his deep emotional attachment to his homeland, and declares that he will always remember it, no matter where he goes.
The second stanza describes the beauty of Belshanny, with its “purple heath and golden broom/ On summits high and wide.” The speaker evokes a vivid and colorful image of the landscape, which is infused with the hues and textures of nature. The reference to “purple heath” and “golden broom” conjures up a sense of wildness and freedom, while the phrase “summits high and wide” suggests the vastness and grandeur of the landscape.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes the people and customs of Belshanny, saying “I’ve known the lark and linnet sing/ In every glen and dell;/ The kindly spot where I was born,/ Shall bid my heart farewell.” The speaker evokes a sense of community and familiarity, as he recalls the birdsong that he heard in every corner of his homeland. The phrase “kindly spot” suggests a sense of warmth and friendliness, while the phrase “bid my heart farewell” conveys a sense of sadness and loss.
The final stanza of the poem is the most emotional and poignant, as the speaker bids farewell to his childhood memories and dreams. He says “Yet, Fare-thee-well, my heart’s first dream!/ Whereunder now I dwell/ May freedom, love and truth be thine,/ In aye good-hearted Belshanny!” The reference to “my heart’s first dream” suggests a sense of innocence and purity, while the phrase “whereunder now I dwell” suggests a sense of distance and separation. The speaker wishes his homeland well, and expresses his hope for its continued prosperity and happiness.
Themes and Significance
“Adieu to Belshanny” is a remarkable poem that explores several themes, such as nostalgia, love, beauty, and tradition. The poem is a tribute to the poet’s homeland, and it expresses his deep emotional attachment to the place and its people. The poem evokes a sense of longing and sadness, as the speaker bids farewell to his childhood memories and dreams.
The poem also celebrates the beauty and richness of nature, as well as the traditions and customs of rural Ireland. The reference to “purple heath” and “golden broom” suggests a sense of wildness and freedom, while the reference to “lark and linnet” suggests a sense of harmony and natural beauty. The poem also celebrates the community and kinship of rural Ireland, as the speaker recalls the birdsong that he heard in every corner of his homeland.
“Adieu to Belshanny” is also a reflection of the poet’s romantic sensibility, as he blends the themes of nature, love, and spirituality with the rhythms and cadences of Irish speech. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience, and to evoke deep emotions and sentiments in its readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Adieu to Belshanny” is a masterpiece of Irish romantic poetry that has endured the test of time. The poem is a poignant and nostalgic tribute to the poet’s homeland, and it captures the beauty and richness of rural Ireland. The poem celebrates the themes of nature, love, and tradition, and it reflects the poet’s deep emotional attachment to his native land. With its vivid imagery, musicality, and emotional depth, “Adieu to Belshanny” remains a classic example of Irish poetry that continues to inspire and enchant readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Adieu to Belshanny: A Masterpiece of William Allingham
William Allingham, a renowned Irish poet, is known for his exceptional works that reflect the beauty of nature and human emotions. One of his most celebrated poems is "Adieu to Belshanny," which is a masterpiece of lyrical poetry. This poem is a perfect example of how Allingham's works capture the essence of life and its fleeting moments.
"Adieu to Belshanny" is a poem that describes the beauty of a small village called Belshanny. The poem is written in the form of a farewell to the village, as the speaker is leaving it behind. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the village.
The first stanza of the poem describes the natural beauty of Belshanny. The speaker talks about the "green hills" and the "flowing river" that surround the village. He also mentions the "sunny skies" and the "sweet birds" that sing in the trees. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a peaceful and idyllic village.
The second stanza of the poem describes the people of Belshanny. The speaker talks about the "honest hearts" and the "friendly faces" of the villagers. He also mentions the "simple joys" and the "homely pleasures" that they enjoy. The language used in this stanza is simple and straightforward, reflecting the simplicity of the villagers' lives.
The third and final stanza of the poem is a farewell to Belshanny. The speaker says goodbye to the village and its people, acknowledging that he will miss them. He also reflects on the fleeting nature of life, saying that "all things pass away." The tone of this stanza is melancholic, reflecting the sadness of leaving behind something that is dear to one's heart.
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. The language used is accessible and easy to understand, making it a perfect example of lyrical poetry. The poem's simplicity is part of its charm, as it captures the essence of life in a way that is relatable to everyone.
One of the most striking aspects of "Adieu to Belshanny" is its use of imagery. Allingham's use of vivid and evocative imagery creates a sense of place and atmosphere that is both beautiful and haunting. The imagery used in the poem is not only descriptive but also symbolic, reflecting the deeper themes of the poem.
For example, the "green hills" and "flowing river" that surround Belshanny represent the natural beauty of the world. The "sunny skies" and "sweet birds" that sing in the trees represent the joy and happiness that can be found in life. The "honest hearts" and "friendly faces" of the villagers represent the goodness and kindness that can be found in people.
The poem's themes are also reflected in its structure. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which represents a different aspect of life. The first stanza represents the beauty of nature, the second stanza represents the goodness of people, and the third stanza represents the fleeting nature of life.
The poem's title, "Adieu to Belshanny," is also significant. The word "adieu" means farewell, and the poem is a farewell to the village of Belshanny. However, the word "adieu" also has a deeper meaning, as it implies a sense of finality and inevitability. The poem's title suggests that the speaker is not only saying goodbye to Belshanny but also to a way of life that is passing away.
In conclusion, "Adieu to Belshanny" is a masterpiece of lyrical poetry that captures the essence of life and its fleeting moments. Allingham's use of vivid and evocative imagery, simple language, and relatable themes make this poem a timeless classic. The poem's message is clear: life is beautiful but fleeting, and we must cherish every moment while we can.
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