Low Price of Cheese
The poem addresses the economic plight of farmers facing a significant drop in cheese prices, leading to dire consequences for their livelihoods. It begins with a call to farmers, expressing hope that prices will eventually rise despite the current low state. The imagery of milk flowing in abundance suggests a future where prosperity returns, emphasizing the potential for a bountiful yield if conditions improve. As the poem progresses, it reflects on the struggles of dairy farmers, highlighting their dedication and the hard work involved in maintaining their herds. The low prices create a sense of urgency and desperation, prompting farmers to consider drastic measures for their cows. The poet advocates for resilience and optimism, suggesting that the cyclical nature of markets will favor them again. The work employs vivid imagery and a rhythmic structure, reinforcing the emotional weight of the farmers' situation while also instilling a sense of hope. The juxtaposition of current hardship against the promise of future abundance serves to uplift the spirits of those affected. The poem ultimately conveys a message of perseverance in the face of economic challenges, urging farmers to hold on for better days ahead.
By James McIntyre · First published 2005 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Agricultural Literature · 70 words
First lines
When the price of cheese was so low that the farmers threatened to kill or sell off their cows, we circulated the following lines freely among them:
Price soon will rise though now 'tis low And brooks of milk will onward flow, Were they collected in one stream There would be floods of milk and cream.
What this Textopian page supports
Low Price of Cheese is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 2005 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: 2005 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Agricultural Literature, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 70 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Low Price of Cheese 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 Low Price of Cheese?
- 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 On Gunn by James Mcintyre
- Cheese Curd For Bait by James Mcintyre
- Opening Ode by James Mcintyre
- Wooden Leg by James Mcintyre
- A Volume Of Nonsense by Lord Byron
- Lines Read At A Dairymaids Social by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem critiques economic conditions affecting farmers, employing humor and irony to address serious issues.
- Agricultural Literature — The content focuses on the agricultural sector, specifically dairy farming and its economic challenges.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal issues related to pricing and the impact on farmers' livelihoods.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · Humorous · Satirical · Cheese · Food · Literary Device · Wordplay · Irony · Absurdity · Dark Humor · Social Commentary