Barta
Barta - meaning Summary
Father's Consolation in Infancy
A grieving, aging father finds solace in the affectionate innocence of his young daughter. He contrasts past losses and hopes dashed—older lovers or family who have died—with the child’s frank kisses and consoling touch. Her devotion reassures him against gossip, disgrace, and loneliness; her presence both softens his sorrow and restores his pride. The poem repeats a tender refrain that emphasizes how the child unexpectedly heals the father’s wounded heart.
Read Complete AnalysesWide solemn eyes that question me, Wee hand that pats my head Where only two have stroked before, And both of them are dead. ‘Ah, poo-ah Daddy mine,’ she says, With wondrous sympathy Oh, baby girl, you don’t know how You break the heart in me! Let friends and kinsfolk work their worst, And the world say what it will, Your baby arms go round my neck I’m your own Daddy still! And you kiss me and I kiss you, Fresh kisses frank and free Ah, baby girl, you don’t know how You break the heart in me! I dreamed when I was good that when The snow showed in my hair, A household angel in her teens Would flit about my chair, To comfort me as I grew old; But that shall never be Ah, baby girl, you don’t know how You break the heart in me! But one shall love me while I live And soothe my troubled head, And never hear an unkind word Of me when I am dead. Her eyes shall light to hear my name Howe’er disgraced it be Ah, baby girl, you don’t know how You help the heart in me!
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