Poem Analysis - Write By Return

The Monotony and Longing of a Working Life

Henry Lawson's "Write By Return" is a poignant snapshot of a life caught between the drudgery of work and the yearning for connection. The poem adopts a weary and somewhat resigned tone as the speaker catalogs the various demands and distractions of his day. However, beneath the surface of routine and obligation lies a deep longing for home, love, and forgiveness. This yearning becomes increasingly palpable as the poem progresses, culminating in a sense of profound isolation tempered by hope.

Echoes of a Hardscrabble Existence

While specific historical details are absent from the provided context, it's safe to assume, given Lawson's background and Australian origin, that the poem reflects the realities of working-class life in the late 19th or early 20th century. The references to "Clerk, corresponding," "Shoddy and Woods," and the financial anxieties evident in the letters from Bland and the speaker's father, all suggest a world of small businesses, economic hardship, and the constant pressure to make ends meet. The poem may give a glimpse of challenges and hardships faced by individuals in far-flung lands who were separated from family.

The Weight of Obligation and the Pull of Affection

One of the primary themes is the burden of responsibility. The speaker is inundated with letters demanding his attention – complaints from customers, requests for payment, and even social invitations. This constant barrage represents the obligations that tie him to his current life. In stark contrast to this obligation, is the theme of yearning for connection, especially love and familial acceptance. The letters from his sweetheart and his father evoke deep emotions of longing and regret, highlighting his desire for a different kind of life, one filled with warmth and understanding. Finally, the poem touches on the redemptive power of forgiveness. The letter from his father, offering reconciliation and financial assistance, suggests that even in the midst of hardship and distance, hope for a better future remains.

Symbols of Distance and Connection

The most prominent symbol is the letter itself. It represents both the physical distance separating the speaker from his loved ones and the means of communication that sustains their relationships. While the letters from work symbolize obligation and constraint, the letters from his sweetheart and father embody love, forgiveness, and the possibility of return. The phrase "Write by return," repeated at the end of each stanza, becomes an ironic reminder of the speaker's limitations. He is trapped in a cycle of responding to demands, unable to fully escape the present and embrace the future he desires. The "fat calf" mentioned in the father's letter can be interpreted as a symbol of reconciliation and prosperity, referencing the biblical story of the prodigal son and hinting at the possibility of the speaker's own return home.

Final Thoughts: A Universal Story of Longing

"Write By Return" is a simple yet deeply moving poem that captures the universal human experience of longing for connection amidst the demands of daily life. The speaker's weariness and yearning resonate with anyone who has felt the pull of distant loved ones and the weight of obligation. While the poem offers no easy solutions, it leaves the reader with a sense of hope, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, the possibility of forgiveness, love, and return remains. The poem makes the reader wonder, is the speaker ever able to get back home and start a new life?