The gallows in my garden, people say, Is new and neat and…
““The gallows in my garden, people say, Is new and neat and adequately tall; I tie the noose on in a knowing way As one that knots his necktie for a ball; But just as all the neighbours--on the wall-- Are drawing a long breath to shout "Hurray!" The strangest whim has seized me. . . . After all I think I will not hang myself to-day. To-morrow is the time I get my pay-- My uncle's sword is hanging in the hall-- I see a little cloud all pink and grey-- Perhaps the rector's mother will not call-- I fancy that I heard from Mr. Gall That mushrooms could be cooked another way-- I never read the works of Juvenal-- I think I will not hang myself to-day. The world will have another washing-day; The decadents decay; the pedants pall; And H.G. Wells has found that children play, And Bernard Shaw discovered that they squall, Rationalists are growing rational-- And through thick woods one finds a stream astray So secret that the very sky seems small-- I think I will not hang myself to-day. Envoi Prince, I can hear the trumpet of Germinal, The tumbrils toiling up the terrible way; Even to-day your royal head may fall, I think I will not hang myself to-day.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet juxtaposes dark thoughts with absurd imagery, revealing a struggle between despair and absurdity.
In simple terms: Dark thoughts mixed with absurd humor.
Key Takeaway
Find humor even in bleak moments.
Themes
despair
absurdity
existentialism
Mood
dark
ironic
satirical
Type
poetry
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- therapy
- creative expression
- mental health
Key Concepts
dark comedy
literary satire
Questions to Reflect On
- How does absurdity help cope with dread?
- When does humor become denial?
A Different Perspective
Humor may trivialize serious suffering.