O my Luve’s like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve’s like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry:
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare thee well, my only Luve
And fare thee well, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.
Short Poem Analysis
"A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns is a timeless and romantic poem that captures the intensity of love and the lasting impact it can have on the heart. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt language, Burns expresses the depth of his affection and the enduring nature of his feelings.
The poem's opening lines present a striking simile, comparing the speaker's love to "a red, red rose." This image immediately establishes the theme of love and introduces the idea that the speaker's emotions are as vibrant, beautiful, and fragrant as a freshly bloomed rose.
Throughout the poem, Burns uses natural imagery to convey the strength and timelessness of his emotions. He employs contrasting elements of nature, such as "till all the seas gang dry" and "till the rocks melt wi' the sun," to emphasize the everlasting nature of his love. These exaggerated images highlight the poem's hyperbolic and passionate tone.
The second stanza shifts to a more melancholic and realistic tone, acknowledging the distance that separates the speaker from his beloved. The use of "fare thee weel" (farewell) suggests a temporary parting, while the promise to "come again" underscores the hope and anticipation of reuniting.
The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme contribute to its musical and lyrical quality. The AABBCC rhyme scheme in each stanza enhances the poem's flow and makes it particularly suitable for singing or recitation.
"A Red, Red Rose" encapsulates the timeless theme of enduring love. Burns skillfully conveys the emotions of love, longing, and separation through the poem's vivid imagery and heartfelt language. The poem's sentiment resonates with readers across cultures and generations, as it captures the universal experience of intense and abiding affection.