Imitation of Richepin's Ballade of the Beggars'
The poem is a tribute to Richepin's Ballade of the Beggars' King and explores themes of poverty, power, and social hierarchy. It portrays a world where beggars hold sway over kings, highlighting the reversal of traditional power dynamics. The speaker reflects on the nature of wealth and status, questioning the notion that true power lies in material possessions.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Satire · 290 words
First lines
Hey, come to me, you slipshod race, Picklocks and squealing bagpipe crew, Come, strumpet, knave and monkey-face, Come loafers, I'm the lad for you! Come ragged cloak and tattered shoe, Your wild, hot liberty I sing, For I am of your nation, too, The poet is the beggars' king.
You playthings of the copper's mace, You toys of wind and rain and dew, You whom the yelping watchdogs chase, Whom blows and noisome ills pursue, Whose paltry rags the wind strikes through As through some rotten paper thing, To whom nor want nor woe is new, The poet is the beggars' king.
What this Textopian page supports
Imitation of Richepin's Ballade of the Beggars' King is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, 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: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Satire, Lyric, Ballad
- Length: 290 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- New Rome by Matthew Arnold
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues, particularly the lives of marginalized individuals.
- Satire — The tone critiques societal norms and the treatment of the lower class.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections related to the subjects discussed.
Tags
Poetry · Imitation · Ballad · Social Commentary · Literary Experimentation · Symbolism · Allegory · Folklore · Mythology · Historical Reference · Satire · Critique of Society