A Child to his Sick Grandfather (Joanna Baillie)

Joanna Baillie's poem "A Child to his Sick Grandfather" explores the relationship between a young child and his ailing grandfather. Through the child's innocent and heartfelt perspective, the poem delves into themes of love, concern, and the passage of time.You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

A Child to his Sick Grandfather by Joanna Baillie

Grand-dad, they say you’re old and frail,

Your stocked legs begin to fail:

Your knobbed stick (that was my horse)

Can scarce support your bended corse,

While back to wall, you lean so sad,

I’m vexed to see you, dad.
 

You used to smile and stroke my head,

And tell me how good children did;

But now, I wot not how it be,

You take me seldom on your knee,

Yet ne’ertheless I am right glad,

To sit beside you, dad.
 

How lank and thin your beard hangs down!

Scant are the white hairs on your crown;

How wan and hollow are your cheeks!

Your brow is rough with crossing breaks;

But yet, for all his strength be ‑ ed,

I love my own old dad.
 

The housewives round their potions brew,

And gossips come to ask for you;

And for your weal each neighbour cares,

And good men kneel, and say their prayers;

And everybody looks so sad,

When you are ailing, dad.
 

You will not die and leave us then?

Rouse up and be our dad again.

When you are quiet and laid in bed,

We’ll doff our shoes and softly tread;

And when you wake we’ll aye be near

To ­ ll old dad his cheer.
 

When through the house you shift your stand,

I’ll lead you kindly by the hand;

When dinner’s set I’ll with you bide,

And aye be serving at your side;

And when the weary ­ re turns blue,

I’ll sit and talk with you.
 

I have a tale both long and good,

About a partlet and her brood,

And cunning greedy fox that stole

By dead of midnight through a hole,

Which slyly to the hen-roost led –

You love a story, dad?
 

And then I have a wondrous tale

Of men all clad in coats of mail,

With glittering swords – you nod, I think?

Your ­ xed eyes begin to wink;

Down on your bosom sinks your head –

You do not hear me, dad.

Analysis:

Child's Concern for Grandfather: The poem begins with the child expressing concern for his sick grandfather, observing his frailty and the changes in his appearance. Despite the grandfather's weakened state, the child remains by his side, offering companionship and affection.

Nostalgia and Reminiscence: The child fondly recalls moments shared with his grandfather in the past, highlighting the grandfather's role as a caregiver and storyteller. However, the child also acknowledges the grandfather's diminished capacity for interaction and communication due to illness.

Expressions of Love and Support: Throughout the poem, the child reassures the grandfather of his love and devotion, promising to care for him and provide comfort during his illness. The child's gestures of kindness, such as leading the grandfather by the hand and sharing stories, demonstrate his commitment to easing the grandfather's suffering.

Fear of Loss: The child's anxiety about the grandfather's health is palpable, as he pleads for the grandfather to recover and remain a presence in their lives. The fear of losing the grandfather is evident in the child's earnest appeals for him to "Rouse up and be our dad again."

Themes of Family and Compassion: The poem underscores the importance of familial bonds and compassion in times of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by the grandfather's illness, the child's unwavering love and support serve as a source of strength and solace for both of them.

Themes:

Family and Relationships: The poem explores the dynamics of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, emphasising the bond of love and support between the two generations.

Illness and Vulnerability: The grandfather's illness serves as a central motif, highlighting the vulnerability and fragility of human life.

Childhood Innocence: The child's perspective offers a lens of innocence and purity, contrasting with the complexities of adult life and mortality.

Loss and Bereavement: The fear of losing the grandfather underscores the theme of loss and the inevitability of death, prompting the child to cherish their time together.

Language and Structure:

Simple Language and Imagery: The poem employs straightforward language and vivid imagery to evoke the child's emotions and observations. Descriptions of the grandfather's physical decline and the child's gestures of care resonate with readers on an emotional level.

Rhyme and Meter: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, contributing to its rhythmic flow and musicality. This formal structure reflects the stability and routine of family life, even in the face of illness.

Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "old dad" throughout the poem reinforces the child's affectionate and familiar term for his grandfather, emphasising their close relationship.

Dialogue and Monologue: The poem blends direct dialogue with the child's internal monologue, allowing readers to access both the child's thoughts and his interactions with the grandfather.

Conclusion:

A Child to his Sick Grandfather by Joanna Baillie is a poignant exploration of love, compassion, and the bonds of family. Through the child's heartfelt expressions of concern and devotion, the poem invites readers to reflect on the enduring power of familial relationships and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.