Lines Read at a Dairyman's Supper
By James McIntyre
It almost now seems all in vain
For to expect high price for grain,
Wheat is grown on Egyptian soil
On the banks of mighty Nile.
And where the Ganges it doth flow,
In India fine wheat doth grow,
And price of labor is so cheap
That it they can successful reap.
Then let the farmers justly prize
The cows for land they fertilize,
And let us all with songs and glees
Invoke success into the cheese.
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre's poem "A Dairyman's Supper" is a contemplative reflection on the challenges faced by farmers in the agricultural industry, particularly in the context of fluctuating grain prices. Through its straightforward language and practical tone, the poem highlights the importance of diversification and the value of dairy farming as a source of stability and resilience. Let's explore the themes, imagery, and underlying messages conveyed in McIntyre's verses.
Economic Realities of Farming
The poem opens with a lamentation on the difficulty of obtaining high prices for grain, suggesting a sense of frustration and resignation among farmers. McIntyre references the abundance of wheat grown in regions like Egypt and India, where labor costs are lower and competition is fierce. This acknowledgment of global agricultural trends underscores the economic challenges faced by local farmers, who must contend with external factors beyond their control.
Value of Dairy Farming
Central to "A Dairyman's Supper" is the recognition of the intrinsic value of dairy farming as a viable and sustainable alternative to grain production. McIntyre emphasizes the importance of cows for their role in fertilizing the land, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between dairy farming and agriculture. By prioritizing dairy production and invoking success into the cheese-making process, McIntyre suggests that farmers can mitigate the impact of fluctuating grain prices and secure a more stable source of income.
Resilience and Adaptation
Throughout the poem, McIntyre conveys a sense of resilience and adaptation in the face of economic challenges. Rather than succumbing to despair, the speaker encourages farmers to focus on the opportunities presented by dairy farming and to embrace the potential for success in cheese production. This attitude of resilience reflects a pragmatic approach to farming, where diversification and innovation are essential for survival in a competitive market.
Community and Tradition
In its invocation of success into the cheese-making process, "A Dairyman's Supper" also emphasizes the importance of community and tradition in farming practices. McIntyre suggests that farmers should come together in songs and glees to celebrate their shared heritage and to support one another in their endeavors. This sense of camaraderie underscores the resilience of rural communities and the enduring value of agricultural traditions in shaping collective identity.
"A Dairyman's Supper" by James McIntyre is a reflective and pragmatic ode to the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in the agricultural industry. Through its acknowledgment of economic realities, celebration of dairy farming, and emphasis on resilience and community, the poem offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of rural life. McIntyre's verses serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of farmers and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. Ultimately, "A Dairyman's Supper" invites readers to appreciate the resilience and ingenuity of those who work the land and to recognize the importance of agriculture in sustaining communities and economies.
