21 THE GRAPEVINE SWING

When I was a boy on the old plantation,

Down by the deep bayou —

The fairest spot of all creation

Under the arching blue —

When the wind came over the cotton and corn,

To the long, slim loop I’d spring

With brown feet bare, and a hat-brim torn,

And swing in the grapevine swing.

Swinging in the grapevine swing,

Laughing where the wild birds sing,

I dream and sigh

For the days gone by,

Swinging in the grapevine swing.

Out—o’er the water lilies bonny and bright

Back—to the moss-green trees;

I shouted and laughed with a heart as light

As a wild rose tossed by the breeze.

The mocking bird joined in my reckless glee;

I longed for no angel’s wing;

I was just as near heaven as I wanted to be

Swinging in the grapevine swing.

Swinging in the grapevine swing,

Laughing where the wild birds sing—

Oh, to be a boy

With a heart full of joy,

Swinging in the grapevine swing!

I’m weary at noon, I’m weary at night,

I’m fretted and sore of heart,

And care is sowing my locks with white

As I wend through the fevered mart.

I’m tired of the world with its pride and pomp,

And fame seems a worthless thing.

I’d barter it all for one day’s romp,

And a swing in the grapevine swing.

Swinging in the grapevine swing,

Laughing where the wild birds sing—

I would I were away

From the world today,

Swinging in the grapevine swing.

( Samuel Minturn Peck )

The Author

Samuel Minturn Peck (1854-1886) is a native of the South. He was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and spent most of his early years in that city. He was gifted in music and became an excellent amateur pianist. His published works include Cap and Bells, Rhymes and Roses, and Rings and Love-Knots, from which“The Grapevine Swing,” one of his most musical poems, is taken.

Word list

bonny : attractive lady

reckless : not being careful

fame : being well-known by many people

You Practice

A) Answer the following questions.

1) Why does the poet call the old plantation “The fairest spot of all creation”?

2) What does he mean by “the long, slim loop”?

3) What does the poet miss about days gone by?

4) What is compared to the wild rose?

5) Why do you think the poet would “barter it all for one day’s romp”?

B) Sensory details are vivid images that appeal to one or more of our senses: sight, touch, smell, sound, or taste. Complete the chart with as many of these details as possible.

Sight

Sound