Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BALLAD by THOMAS HOOD

Poet Analysis

First Line: SPRING IT IS CHEERY
Last Line: WHAT CAN AN OLD MAN DO BUT DIE?
Subject(s): ADVERSITY; OLD AGE;

Spring it is cheery,
Winter is dreary,
Green leaves hang, but the brown must fly;
When he's forsaken,
Withered and shaken,
What can an old man do but die?
Love will not clip him,
Maids will not lip him,
Maud and Marian pass him by;
Youth it is sunny,
Age has no honey, --
What can an old man do but die?
June it was jolly,
O for its folly!
A dancing leg and a laughing eye!
Youth may be silly,
Wisdom is chilly, --
What can an old man do but die?
Friends they are scanty,
Beggars are plenty,
If he has followers, I know why;
Gold's in his clutches
(Buying him crutches!) --
What can an old man do but die?



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