Craigieburn Wood
written in 1792
Craigieburn Wood - meaning Summary
Unrequited Longing and Fear
This short lyric presents a speaker who wanders in Craigieburn Wood but cannot feel pleasure because he is consumed by secret love for Jeanie. He confesses fear of anger and rejection, admits he cannot keep his feelings hidden without breaking, and imagines unbearable pain or even death if she loves another. The poem moves between landscape observation and urgent personal pleading, ending with a plea that she promise to be his so he can live peacefully. The tone is earnest, anxious, and rooted in intimate, unspoken desire.
Read Complete AnalysesSweet closes the evening on Craigieburn-Wood, And blythely awaukens the morrow; But the pride o' the spring in the Craigieburn Wood Can yield me nought but sorrow. Beyond thee, dearie, beyond thee, dearie, And O to be lying beyond thee! O sweetly, soundly, weel may he sleep That's laid in the bed beyond thee. I see the spreading leaves and flowers, I hear the wild birds singing; But pleasure they hae nane for me While care my heart is wringing. I can na tell, I maun na tell, I daur na for your anger: But secret love will break my heart, If I conceal it langer. I see thee gracefu', straight and tall, I see thee sweet and bonie; But Oh, what will my torments be, If thou refuse thy Johnie! To see thee in another's arms, In love to lie and languish: 'Twad be my dead, that will be seen, My heart wad burst wi' anguish! But Jeanie, say thou wilt be mine, Say thou loes nane before me; And a' my days o' life to come I'll gratefully adore thee. Beyond thee, dearie, beyond thee, dearie, And O to be lying beyond thee! O sweetly, soundly, weel may he sleep That's laid in the bed beyond thee.
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