Poem Analysis - And What Have You To Say

Henry Lawson's "And What Have You To Say?" is a lament for lost potential and a bitter reflection on a life squandered. The poem begins with a nostalgic look back at a time of admiration and promise, then descends into a bleak present of poverty and alcoholism. The tone is a mixture of regret, defiance, and self-pity, with a subtle shift towards spiritual acceptance in the latter stanzas. The repetitive question, "And what have you to say?" serves as a challenge to both the audience and the speaker himself, forcing a confrontation with his current state.

The Fading Star: A Fall From Grace

One of the central themes is the destructive nature of wasted talent and the consequences of choices. The poem charts a clear decline from a respected, even worshipped, artist to a degraded, impoverished figure. The opening stanzas are filled with images of adoration – ladies tending to him, seeing his "poet's soul," and regarding him as a "rising star." This contrasts sharply with the later stanzas, where he describes himself as slinking down the street, cadging for drink money, and anticipating a "drunken pauper grave." This dramatic shift illustrates the tragic potential for talent to be squandered, leading to a profound loss of self-respect and societal standing.

The Double-Edged Sword: Truth, Right, and Ruin

The poem also explores the complex relationship between artistic integrity and personal destruction. The speaker claims to have "wrote for Truth and Right alone," implying a commitment to his craft that bordered on self-sacrifice. He implies that his dedication to his art, writing "from night till day," contributed to his downfall. The contrast between his noble artistic intentions and his wretched present suggests that pursuing one's ideals, even with the best intentions, can lead to ruin if not balanced with practical considerations. This creates a poignant commentary on the often-precarious position of the artist in society.

The Transcendence of Hope: Angels in the Abyss

A surprising theme that emerges is the possibility of spiritual redemption amidst despair. Despite the bleakness of his situation, the speaker claims that "in the darkest night," he hears "the angels sing," while others see "the devils dance." This suggests a capacity for experiencing beauty and grace even in the depths of degradation. The image of "Heaven’s nurses whispering" around his "lonely bed" provides a glimmer of hope, hinting at a divine compassion that extends even to the most fallen. This final theme offers a counterpoint to the prevailing sense of despair, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, the possibility of spiritual solace remains.

Whispers of Divinity: Recurring Images

Several vivid images contribute to the poem's overall message. The image of the "drunken pauper grave" is a stark symbol of the speaker's anticipated end, highlighting the consequences of his choices. The contrast between the "silken handkerchief" of his former life and the act of "cadging...the tray-bit for a drink" underscores the depth of his fall. However, the most powerful image is undoubtedly the "angels sing[ing]" and "Heaven's nurses whispering." This recurring symbol of divine presence suggests a source of comfort and hope that transcends his material circumstances. It also invites an open-ended question: Is this a genuine spiritual experience, or simply a hallucination brought on by his drunken state? This ambiguity adds another layer of complexity to the poem's interpretation.

A Legacy of Regret: Final Thoughts

"And What Have You To Say?" is a powerful and deeply affecting poem that explores themes of lost potential, artistic integrity, and the possibility of spiritual redemption. The poem's effectiveness lies in its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of a life gone astray. While the overall tone is one of regret and self-pity, the subtle hints of spiritual awareness offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Ultimately, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of balance and the potential consequences of squandering one's talents, leaving the reader to contemplate the speaker's life and ponder, indeed, "what have you to say?"