Welcome to Poem of the Day – To a Mouse by Robert Burns.
“To a Mouse“ is a poem written by Robert Burns, first published in 1786. The poem is a reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, inspired by Burns’s experience of accidentally destroying a mouse’s nest while plowing a field. It is often seen as a meditation on the themes of human frailty, the unpredictability of life, and the shared vulnerabilities between humans and animals.
Content
On Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough,
November, 1785
Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi’ bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
Wi’ murdering pattle!
I’m truly sorry Man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion
An’ fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
‘S a sma’ requet;
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
An’ never miss’t!
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
Its silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s win’s ensuing,
Baith snell an’ keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary Winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro’ thy cell.
That wee bit heap o’ leaves and stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turned out, for a’ thy trouble,
But house or hald,
To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble,
An’ cranreuch cauld!
But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!
Still thou are blest, compared wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
On prospects drear!
An’ forward, tho’ I cannot see,
I guess an’ fear!
To a Mouse Poem Explanation
The poem is addressed directly to a mouse whose nest the speaker has inadvertently overturned while plowing a field. The speaker expresses sympathy for the mouse, acknowledging the disruption caused to its life. The speaker reflects on the mouse’s predicament and contrasts it with the human condition, particularly focusing on the theme of the unpredictability of life.
The speaker begins by apologizing to the mouse, lamenting the destruction of its home and the resultant suffering it faces. The speaker then delves into a broader contemplation of the mouse’s situation, considering the struggles and uncertainties that all creatures, including humans, face.
Themes and Analysis
Human and Animal Vulnerability: One of the central themes of “To a Mouse” is the shared vulnerability between humans and animals. The poem highlights how both the mouse and the speaker are subject to the whims of fate. The mouse, who has worked hard to build its nest and secure its future, is suddenly faced with destruction, mirroring the precariousness of human existence.
The Unpredictability of Life: The poem explores the theme of life’s unpredictability. The mouse’s carefully constructed home is destroyed in an instant, illustrating how quickly one’s circumstances can change. The speaker reflects on this unpredictability and how it affects both humans and animals, emphasizing the fragility of plans and the futility of worrying about the future.
Sympathy and Compassion: Burns’s empathy for the mouse reflects a broader sense of compassion for all living creatures. The speaker’s remorse for the mouse’s plight suggests a deep sympathy and understanding of the mouse’s suffering, revealing a connection between human and animal experiences.
The Illusion of Control: The poem underscores the illusion of control that humans often have over their lives. Just as the speaker’s plowing unexpectedly disrupts the mouse’s nest, human efforts to control or predict the future can be undermined by unforeseen events. This realization contributes to a sense of humility and acceptance of the limits of human agency.
Transience of Human Plans: The poem reflects on the futility of human plans in the face of life’s uncertainties. The speaker contrasts the mouse’s situation with the human tendency to make elaborate plans for the future, only to find them disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. This theme underscores the idea that no matter how well we prepare, we cannot fully control or anticipate the course of our lives.
Structure and Form
“To a Mouse” is written in Scots dialect, which adds authenticity and regional flavor to the poem. It follows a simple, lyrical structure, with a consistent rhyme scheme that enhances its musical quality. The poem is written in a series of rhymed couplets, creating a conversational and reflective tone.
The use of vivid imagery and direct address contributes to the emotional impact of the poem. Burns’s portrayal of the mouse’s plight is both poignant and relatable, drawing readers into a shared sense of empathy and reflection.
Significance
“To a Mouse” is a poignant and reflective poem that explores themes of vulnerability, the unpredictability of life, and the limitations of human control. Through its sympathetic portrayal of a mouse’s predicament and its contemplation of broader existential issues, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the commonalities they share with the natural world. Burns’s empathy and insight make the poem a timeless meditation on the human condition and the fragile nature of existence.