Bringing Home the Cows
The poem depicts a pastoral scene where the speaker observes the beauty of nature and the simplicity of rural life. As twilight descends, birds call to one another, and the landscape is filled with blooming daisies and the sound of cattle bells. The speaker's focus is on Mary, who joyfully returns home with the cows, embodying innocence and charm. The imagery emphasizes a tranquil environment, contrasting the busyness of farming life, as the fields lie idle and the farmer boys have completed their work. The speaker expresses admiration for Mary, highlighting her physical beauty and grace, which stirs deep feelings of affection. The interaction between the two characters is tender, filled with polite exchanges and romantic undertones. As they walk together, arm-in-arm, the couple engages in earnest conversation, symbolizing their commitment to one another. The poem hints at a future together, where wedding bells will ring, and they will share responsibilities, including tending to their cows. The overall tone is one of nostalgia and celebration of love, set against the backdrop of a serene rural landscape.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral · 272 words
First lines
Shadows of the twilight falling On the mountain's brow, To each other birds are calling, In the leafy bough. Where the daisies are a-springing, And the cattle bells are ringing, Comes my Mary, gaily singing, Bringing home the cows.
By a bush the pathway skirted, Room for two allows. All the cornfields are deserted, Idle are the ploughs. Striving for wealth's spoil and booty, Farmer boys have finished duty, When I meet my little beauty, Bringing home the cows.
Tender words and kind addresses, Most polite of bows, Rosy cheeks and wavy tresses Do my passions rouse Dress so natty and so cleanly, Air so modest and so queenly. Oh! so haughty, yet serenely, Bringing home the cows.
What this Textopian page supports
Bringing Home the Cows is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral, Narrative, Australian Literature
- Length: 272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The poem explores themes of love and courtship between the speaker and Mary.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes focus on rural life, nature, and the simplicity of farm life.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of a couple's interaction and their future together.
Tags
poetry · Australian literature · romance · nature · cattle · farm life · love · nostalgia · youth · countryside · pastoral · relationships