Lines Read at a Dairymen's Supper
The work reflects on the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in the dairy industry, amidst global competition and fluctuating grain prices. It highlights the struggle of local farmers against cheaper agricultural production in countries like Egypt and India, where labor costs are significantly lower. The speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing dairy cows for their role in enriching the land and sustaining agricultural practices. The narrative shifts to a celebration of dairy farming, invoking a sense of community and pride among farmers. It underscores the significance of dairy products, particularly cheese, as a source of livelihood and cultural identity. The speaker calls for unity and optimism, encouraging farmers to embrace their craft and the joys it brings, despite economic hardships. Throughout the verses, there is a blend of realism and hope, as the speaker acknowledges the difficulties while also celebrating the resilience and contributions of the farming community. The work serves as both a lament for the struggles of farmers and a rallying cry to appreciate the value of dairy farming in the face of external pressures.
By James McIntyre · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Humor · 111 words
First lines
It almost now seems all in vain For to expect high price for grain, Wheat is grown on Egyptian soil On the banks of mighty Nile.
And where the Ganges it doth flow, In India fine wheat doth grow, And price of labor is so cheap That it they can successful reap.
Then let the farmers justly prize The cows for land they fertilize, And let us all with songs and glees Invoke success into the cheese.
What this Textopian page supports
Lines Read at a Dairymen's Supper is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Humor, Social Commentary, Regional Literature
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lines Read at a Dairymen's Supper by James McIntyre
- 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 Lines Read at a Dairymen's Supper?
- How does this poem by James McIntyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Lines Read At A Maple Sugar Social by James Mcintyre
- Lines On Removal by James Mcintyre
- Lines Read At A Dairymaids Social by James Mcintyre
- Lines On Gunn by James Mcintyre
- The People All Say And Declare It Is True by James Mcintyre
- Lines On Thorold by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Agricultural Literature — The themes focus on farming, dairy production, and the economic aspects of agriculture.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful language suggest elements of humor.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on the challenges faced by farmers and the agricultural economy.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Humorous Poetry · Satire · Dairy Industry · Agriculture · Rural Life · Literary Satire · Irony · Wordplay · Formal Verse