The cottage was a thatch'd one,
The outside old and mean,
Yet everything within that cot
Was wondrous neat and clean.
The night was dark and stormy,
The wind was howling wild;
A patient mother knelt beside
The death bed of her child.
A little worn-out creature—
His once bright eyes grown dim,
It was a collier's only child—
They called him Little Jim.
And, oh! to see the briny tears
Fast hurrying down her cheeks,
As she offer'd up a prayer in thought—
She was afraid to speak,
Lest she might waken one she loved
Far better than her life,
For there was all a mother's love
In that poor collier's wife.
With hands uplifted, see, she kneels
Beside the sufferer's bed;
And prays that He will spare her boy,
And take herself instead.
She gets her answer from the child,
Soft fell these words from him—
"Mother, the angels do so smile,
And beckon Little Jim.
"I have no pain, dear mother, now,
But oh! I am so dry;
Just moisten poor Jim's lips again,
And, mother, don't you cry."
With gentle, trembling haste she held
The tea-cup to his lips;
He smiled to thank her, as he took
Three tiny little sips.
"Tell father when he comes from work,
I said 'goodnight' to him,
And, mother, now I'll go to sleep,"—
Alas, poor Little Jim.
She saw that he was dying—
The child she loved so dear
Had uttered the last words that she
Might ever hope to hear.
The cottage door was opened,
The collier's step is heard,—
The father and the mother meet,
Yet neither speak a word.
He knew that all was over,
He knew his child was dead;
He took the candle in his hand,
And walked towards the bed.
His quivering lips gave token
Of the grief he'd fain conceal,
And, see, his wife has joined him—
The stricken couple kneel.
With hearts bowed down with sadness
They humbly ask of Him,
In heaven, once more to meet again,
Their own poor Little Jim.
Notes
This is a very typical ballad of "young life cut short". Notice that, although Little Jim's father is a coalminer, the thatched cottage he lives in is, of course, kept neat and spotless!!
The death scene naturally entails inclement weather and equally predictable is the father's return from work just too late for his son's last moments.
Many irreverent parodies were written after this poem appeared; perhaps the best known being a version of the touching eighth stanza:
"I have no pain, dear mother, now, .
But, oh, I am so dry;
Connect me to a brewery
And leave me there to die."
A verse comment on this type of poem can be found in the writing of Jane & Ann Taylor. http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show/30018-Jane-Taylor-Dirty-Jim
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Comments
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LITTLE JIM
From guest VINETTE OKOLA (contact)
i AM 59 AND MY MOTHER HAD ME RECITE THIS POEM AND A 'NOBLE BOY' AT A CHURCH CONCERT WHEN I WAS 10.I NEVER FORGOT THEM,THEY ARE SO PROFOUND.WISH I COULD GET A COPY OF THE ROYAL READER FOR MY MOM. -
A devastating time - losing a child. The poet brought along the scene set so well to give a background to this family we read ab out. Father, a hard working man couldn't be there as his son closes his eyes - possibly could not afford to take time from work or was not allowed - either scenario possible. A glimpse into the past of how life was for so many people.
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I have never read a lot of poetry other than those written by friends. I'm going to be rectifying that as soon as I can get to the library. I was impressed by the poem, but also impressed by the people who knew it, memorized it, and the memories it invokes in them. Thank you for sharing this poem and opening up my eyes to what I am missing. Also thank you to those who commented here. Thanks for sharing your memories and making a lasting impression on me.
God bless. -
Poor Little Jim
From guest Iris (contact)
I was made to memorise this poem when I was 12 years old and never forgot it.. I am now 88 years old !!! -
Little Jim
From guest Tony DeCoteau (contact)
I first read and learnt this poem from my Royal Reader book way, way back in elementary school. With a little prompting, I bet I can still recite it in its entirety.
Thanks for the memories.
MOD MESSAGE
You're welcome -
Little Jim
From guest Sally garrison (contact)
My grandfather, Robert Knox Harrison, a gold medal elocutionist in Ireland used to recite this poem to me with great gusto and drama. Thanks for the copy! -
From guest Ramon b Ramirez (contact)
i learnt this poem when i was going to school in my royal reader,today i am56 yrs and i still know how to recite it by memory no doubt one of my favorite. is it posible that royal readers are still around -
Little Jim by Edward Farmer
From guest Wendy Jane Walcott, nee Baxter (contact)
I have searched every book I can for this poem. My mother used to read it to me when I was a child, during the war and I felt so lucky during those dark days. Thank you so much for this memory.
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