The Empty Glass by Henry Lawson

Name: The Empty Glass
Author: Henry Lawson

Three bards gather in a borrowed room, filling their glasses with wine and preparing to honor a deceased friend. They toast to an empty glass, symbolizing loss and remembrance. Outside, the city is alive with excitement, contrasting their somber gathering. The bards reflect on the life of their friend, acknowledging the widow left behind and the love he received during his life. The widow mourns by the Hornsby line, yet the bards assure her that she is not alone. They pledge to support her and her children, recognizing the sacrifices she made for her husband. The oath they take signifies their commitment to uphold his memory and care for those he loved. As they drink, they confront the emptiness left by their friend’s passing, while also celebrating his life and the bonds of friendship. The atmosphere shifts from the vibrancy of the outside world to the quiet solemnity of their tribute. The bards' reflections highlight themes of loyalty, love, and the impact of loss on those left behind. The poem captures the tension between public celebration and private grief, illustrating how the lives of individuals intertwine within the broader community. The bards' commitment to the widow serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with friendship and love, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of sorrow. The imagery of the moonlight and the peaceful surroundings contrasts with the emotional turmoil they experience, reinforcing the duality of life and death. Ultimately, the work explores the enduring nature of memory and the bonds formed through shared experiences, even in the face of loss. The empty glass becomes a powerful symbol of both absence and the promise of support, encapsulating the essence of human connection amidst grief.

By Henry Lawson · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Narrative · 632 words

First lines

There are three lank bards in a borrowed room -- Ah! The number is one too few -- They have deemed their home and the bars unfit For the thing that they have to do. Three glasses they fill with the Land's own wine, And the bread of life they pass. Their glasses they take, which they slowly raise -- And they drink to an empty glass.

(There's a greater glare in the street to-night, And a louder rush and roar, There's a mad crowd yelling the winner's name, And howling the cricket score: Oh! The bright moonlight on the angels white, And the tombs and the monuments grand -- And down by the water at Waverley There's a little lone mound of sand.)

What this Textopian page supports

The Empty Glass is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1914 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Henry Lawson
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Narrative, Elegy, Social Commentary
Length: 632 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Empty Glass by Henry Lawson
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

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Empty Glass?
How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
Narrative — The poem tells a story involving characters and events, fitting the narrative genre.
Elegy — The themes of loss and remembrance suggest an elegiac quality, mourning the deceased.