A Lay of the Links

Name: A Lay of the Links
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The poem celebrates the joys of golf, depicting a day spent on the course amidst nature. It invites players from various walks of life—doctors, soldiers, statesmen, and clubmen—to join in the game, emphasizing camaraderie and the shared experience of golfing. The imagery evokes a picturesque setting with gorse blossoms, bracken, and the sound of larks, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The poem contrasts the simplicity of the game with the complexities of life, suggesting that golf serves as an escape from daily worries. It highlights the equality found on the course, where status and profession are irrelevant, and the focus is on the game itself. The act of playing is portrayed as a remedy for stress, promoting a sense of freedom and joy. As players engage with the sport, they experience the tactile sensations of the game—the grip of the club, the feel of the turf, and the thrill of each stroke. The poem concludes with a call to embrace the present moment, suggesting that while troubles may return, the happiness derived from the game is immediate and fulfilling. Overall, it encapsulates the spirit of golf as a unifying and uplifting pursuit.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Sports Literature, Nature Writing · 395 words

First lines

It's up and away from our work to-day, For the breeze sweeps over the down; And it's hey for a game where the gorse blossoms flame, And the bracken is bronzing to brown. With the turf 'neath our tread and the blue overhead, And the song of the lark in the whin; There's the flag and the green, with the bunkers between- Now will you be over or in?

The doctor may come, and we'll teach him to know A tee where no tannin can lurk; The soldier may come, and we'll promise to show Some hazards a soldier may shirk; The statesman may joke, as he tops every stroke, That at last he is high in his aims; And the clubman will stand with a club in his hand That is worth every club in St. James'.

What this Textopian page supports

A Lay of the Links is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1912 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Sports Literature, Nature Writing, Humor, Philosophical
Length: 395 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Sports Literature — The poem centers around the game of golf, exploring its themes and the experiences associated with it.
Nature Writing — The text vividly describes natural settings and the outdoors, reflecting on the beauty of the landscape.
Humor — The poem contains light-hearted elements and playful commentary on various characters and their interactions with golf.