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More poetry for analysis: Some walk the streets MusingsSociety 27 Apr Some walk the streets for recognition Like our man here, the whole town knows him Puts rubbish in the rubbish bins Eats a bit and then he grins No teeth you see, it stops them staring Have you heard of Marilyn Waring? Got Rob Muldoon to die of swearing Not before the piss got to him Such is the death of a politician There’s another one that fits the bill The master of the bitter sweet pill He ate what he served up Think Big was his little pup He acts the part, and very well too And now and again sits on a pew They say we get what we deserve The boys, they gave me a dry patch on the reserve Not because I’ve earned it, like That’s where I do the benevolent old bike She brings a pot or two of sherry We water it down and all get merry We pool the dole and invest in Lotto The winnings help to keep us blotto If we strike it lucky early We’re all off to the Kentucky Derby
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"Some Walk the Streets" is a satirical and socially observant poem that offers a critical commentary on aspects of recognition, society, politics, and human behavior. The poem uses a mixture of humor, irony, and wit to shed light on the follies and contradictions present in various individuals and societal structures. Through its verses, the poem presents a vivid snapshot of different characters and their actions, inviting readers to reflect on broader themes.
Here's an analysis of the poem:
Recognition and Public Image: The poem opens with the idea of people seeking recognition and attention. The narrator introduces a character who is well-known in the town, seemingly for mundane actions such as putting rubbish in bins. This sets the stage for a commentary on the often superficial nature of recognition and fame.
Humor and Irony: The poem employs humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of situations. The mention of the man's lack of teeth stopping people from staring is a humorous touch that underlines how appearances can shape perceptions.
Political Commentary: The reference to Marilyn Waring and Rob Muldoon introduces political commentary. Marilyn Waring, a feminist and activist, is credited with influencing Rob Muldoon, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. The mention of his death due to swearing emphasizes the tension between political figures and the public.
Political Decisions and Consequences: The poem alludes to a politician who championed the "Think Big" economic strategy. The character's consumption of what he promotes (the bitter sweet pill) and his occasional religious attendance (sitting on a pew) imply a disconnect between political actions and personal behavior.
Themes of Deserving and Entitlement: The poem questions the concept of deserving by highlighting the narrator's situation. The dry patch on the reserve refers to a place where the narrator, despite not earning it, is allowed to be benevolent and share with others.
Community and Camaraderie: The camaraderie among the characters is evident in the communal sharing of resources and the mention of drinking sherry. The pooling of dole money and investing in Lotto reflects a sense of unity and a shared attempt to escape reality.
Escapism and Social Critique: The concept of winning Lotto and heading to the Kentucky Derby is a form of escapism that contrasts with the characters' daily struggles. The poem critiques the lure of instant wealth and the ways it can distract from deeper societal issues.
Narrator's Voice: The poem's narrator serves as a keen observer, adopting a critical yet detached tone. The narrator presents the characters and their actions without passing overt judgment, allowing readers to draw their conclusions.
In essence, "Some Walk the Streets" offers a thought-provoking exploration of various societal aspects, such as recognition, politics, entitlement, and communal relationships. The poem's satirical and observational approach invites readers to consider the complexities and contradictions present in human behavior and society while engaging with themes of superficiality, camaraderie, and escapism.