Fifty Faggots by Edward Thomas
The work explores themes of nature, transience, and the passage of time through the imagery of faggots—bundles of sticks—once part of a living copse. The faggots symbolize the remnants of life and vitality, now repurposed and awaiting their fate as fuel for fires. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of change, both in the natural world and in personal circumstances, hinting at broader societal shifts, possibly alluding to the impact of war. The juxtaposition of the faggots' past life and their current state evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia. The mention of birds nesting among the faggots suggests a continuity of life, even in altered circumstances. The speaker acknowledges the limitations of control over the future, paralleling the unpredictability of nature with human experiences. The arrival of spring and the swift bird serve as reminders of cycles and the relentless march of time, emphasizing the contrast between human endeavors and the natural world's indifference. As the narrative unfolds, the faggots become a metaphor for the remnants of human effort and the inevitability of decay. The speaker's reflections on warmth and the fires they will eventually light underscore a sense of futility, as the warmth they provide cannot replace the lost vitality of the original underwood. The work encapsulates a poignant meditation on existence, the passage of time, and the interplay between human actions and the natural world, ultimately suggesting that while life continues, it does so amidst inevitable change and loss.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, War Literature · 145 words
First lines
There they stand, on their ends, the fifty faggots That once were underwood of hazel and ash In Jenny Pinks's Copse. Now, by the hedge Close packed, they make a thicket fancy alone Can creep through with the mouse and wren. Next Spring A blackbird or a robin will nest there, Accustomed to them, thinking they will remain Whatever is for ever to a bird:
This Spring it is too late; the swift has come.
'Twas a hot day for carrying them up:
Better they will never warm me, though they must Light several Winters' fires. Before they are done The war will have ended, many other things Have ended, maybe, that I can no more Foresee or more control than robin and wren.
What this Textopian page supports
Fifty Faggots is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, War Literature, Reflective Literature, Symbolism
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fifty Faggots by Edward Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Province Of Ontario by James Mcintyre
- Another Oak by John Gould Fletcher
- Lines On Tilsonburg by James Mcintyre
- Robert Burns Wilson by James Whitcomb Riley
- Romancin Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- Fertile Lands And Mammoth Cheese by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Nature Writing — The themes revolve around nature, specifically the imagery of underwood and wildlife.
- War Literature — The text reflects on the impact of war and its consequences, suggesting a broader commentary on conflict.
- Reflective Literature — The work contains introspective elements, contemplating change and the passage of time.
Tags
Poetry Collection · Welsh Literature · Edwardian Era · Rural Life · Nature Poetry · Agriculture · Farming · Sheep Herding · Pastoral Poetry · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Conflict