Rogues and Scallywags

‘Twas ever so . . .

From the beginning of time, women have often found themselves smitten, or at least intrigued, by the mystery of the “bad boy”.

Now I don’t mean a totally rotten to the core kind of guy. I’m talking about that dashing, adventurous, “Darling, let’s forget responsibility and run away to a distant shore!” kind of fellow – a pirate perhaps! 😉

What else can explain the allure of Johnny Depp’s “Jack Sparrow” in Pirates of the Caribbean? Or the appeal of men who have made bachelorhood almost a profession – like George Clooney, Colin Farrell – and before them – Jack Nicholson, the Fonz, James Dean. The list goes on . . .

Ok, I am joking a little, here. But since it’s Valentine’s week, I’m trying to set the mood for a wonderful poem.

I’m including a link below, where you’ll hear it being read aloud. If you’re not familiar with this poem, it might seem dull at first, because the narrator’s voice sounds rather ancient. But wait! This is a love story! It’s full of drama and irony and excitement. Give it a chance!

art ©Nancy L (Timpanelli) Middleton. All rights reserved!

art ©Nancy L (Timpanelli) Middleton. All rights reserved!

I first read The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes in high school, and I still find it compelling.

The lyrical cadence, or “beat” of the poem, draws you in right away, and every line will capture your imagination!

So click the link below for a 7-minute youtube narration of the poem. Don’t let the old fella’s voice put you off – listen to the tale – and let me know if you find it spellbinding!

Click this link:
The Highwayman

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Comments

Rogues and Scallywags — 6 Comments

  1. Hey Sista:

    Wow. Thank you. This narrator is perfect. His voice totally puts you in the era, back to that year.

    It was always one of my very favorite poems also. (I love Poe too). I wonder if schools include much poetry these days. I hope so. Sometimes, its later years that you appreciate it.

    BTW, you are right about the Bad Boys for sure. I married mine. He says I reformed him, just a little!

    Wonderful post today. I enjoy your blog so so much.

  2. Thanks so much, Carol! 🙂

    As you say, I also hope that the schools still spend time on poetry!

    In a world where kids get so much visual stimulation from TV, computer games, DVDS, etc., it seems especially important to nurture the ability to simply close your eyes, listen to beautifully written words, and then let those words alone make your imagination soar.

  3. whoa ! i love the highway man poem! i too was first introduced to it in school, gr. 6 or 7 i think. It was our first “memorization” exercise – everyone in the class had to memorize part of it and present it to the class – i have never forgotten it!

  4. but it is one of my favorites! the moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. the road was a ribbon of moonlight…

    try finding the ledgend of sam mc gee! by robert service (i think)…you will love it!

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