Poem Analysis - The Auld Farmers Salutation To His Auld Mare

A Fond Farewell to a Faithful Friend

Robert Burns' "The Auld Farmer's Salutation To His Auld Mare" is a heartfelt tribute to a working animal, Maggie, who has shared a long and productive life with the speaker. The poem is imbued with a tone of affectionate nostalgia, celebrating Maggie's past strength and beauty while acknowledging her present decline. There is a shift from the vigorous descriptions of Maggie's younger days to a more tender and comforting tone as the speaker assures her of continued care in her old age. It is a testament to a deep bond forged through shared labor and companionship.

A Glimpse into Rural Scotland

Robert Burns, a celebrated Scottish poet, often wrote about the lives and experiences of ordinary people in rural Scotland. This poem reflects that focus, offering a window into the agricultural life of the time. The references to "tocher clear" (dowry), "mark" (currency), plowing, and harvest hint at the hard work and simple pleasures that characterized rural Scottish society. The poem showcases a respect for animals as partners in labor, integral to the farmer's livelihood and worthy of compassion in their later years.

Themes of Time, Companionship, and Gratitude

The poem develops several key themes, foremost among them is the passage of time and its inevitable effects. The contrast between Maggie's vibrant youth and her present "dowie, stiff, an' crazy" state underscores the relentless march of time. The poem also emphasizes the profound companionship between the farmer and his mare. Their shared experiences, from wooing his wife to toiling in the fields, have created a deep bond. Furthermore, the poem expresses sincere gratitude. The farmer acknowledges Maggie's invaluable contribution to his life and promises to care for her in retirement, repaying her years of service with kindness.

Symbols of Strength and Decline

Several potent images and symbols run through the poem. Maggie herself symbolizes strength, resilience, and the dignity of labor. The descriptions of her youth – "filly buirdly, steeve, an' swank" – paint a picture of vigor and vitality. Conversely, images of her old age, such as "howe-backit" and "dowie," represent the inevitable decline that comes with time. The "hain'd rig," a protected patch of land, symbolizes the peace and comfort the farmer intends to provide for Maggie in her retirement, a sanctuary from the hardships she has endured.

A Promise of Rest and Remembrance

In conclusion, "The Auld Farmer's Salutation To His Auld Mare" is a deeply moving poem that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. Through vivid imagery, affectionate language, and a heartfelt tone, Burns captures the essence of a lifelong partnership forged in labor and loyalty. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, compassion, and honoring the contributions of those, both human and animal, who have shared our lives. The poem also implicitly acknowledges the shared vulnerability of man and beast in the face of aging and mortality, emphasizing the need for kindness and care in their final years. It leaves the reader contemplating the meaning of faithful service and the quiet dignity of a life well-lived, together.