Our Street (Poem by C. J. Dennis)

Our Street

By C. J. Dennis

In our street, the main street

    Running thro' the town,

You see a lot of busy folk

    Going up and down:

Bag men and basket men,

    Men with loads of hay,

Buying things and selling things

    And carting things away.

The butcher is a funny man,

    He calls me Dandy Dick;

The baker is a cross man,

    I think he's often sick;

The fruiterer's a nice man,

    He gives me apples, too;

The grocer says, "Good morning, boy,

    What can I do for you?"

Of all the men in our street

    I like the cobbler best,

Tapping, tapping at his last

    Without a minute's rest;

Talking all the time he taps,

    Driving in the nails,

Smiling with his old grey eyes — 

    (Hush) ... telling fairy tales.

Poem Analysis:

"Our Street" by C. J. Dennis is a charming and nostalgic poem that paints a vivid picture of the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a small town. Through simple language and a childlike perspective, Dennis captures the sights and sounds of the main street and the colorful characters that inhabit it.

Snapshot of Small-Town Life: The poem opens with a description of the main street, which serves as the bustling heart of the town. It's a place where people come and go, engaged in various activities like buying, selling, and carting goods. This setting evokes a sense of community and liveliness typical of small towns.

Character Portrayals: Dennis introduces several characters who populate the street, each with their own distinct personality traits. The butcher, baker, fruiterer, and grocer are depicted through brief but evocative descriptions that hint at their interactions with the narrator, a young boy. These characters add depth and color to the poem, showcasing the diversity of people found in any community.

Childlike Perspective: The poem is narrated from the perspective of a young boy, who observes the activities on the street with curiosity and innocence. His interactions with the various characters, such as the friendly fruiterer and the grumpy baker, reflect the simplicity and wonder of childhood.

The Cobbler: Among all the characters, the cobbler stands out as the narrator's favorite. The cobbler's relentless tapping at his last, coupled with his friendly demeanor and storytelling, endears him to the narrator. This portrayal highlights the importance of craftsmanship and human connection in the midst of daily routines.

Nostalgia and Warmth: Through its quaint depiction of small-town life and its cast of familiar characters, "Our Street" evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. It invites readers to reminisce about their own experiences in similar settings and appreciate the simple joys of community and human interaction.

In conclusion, "Our Street" is a delightful poem that celebrates the charm and vibrancy of small-town life. Through its relatable characters, vivid imagery, and childlike perspective, it captures the essence of a close-knit community and the magic found in everyday encounters.