Robert Graves
Father is quite the greatest poet
That ever lived anywhere.
You say you’re going to write great music—
I chose that first: it’s unfair.
Besides, now I can’t be the greatest painter and
do Christ and angels, or lovely pears
and apples and grapes on a green dish,
or storms at sea, or anything lovely,
Because that’s been taken by Claire.
It’s stupid to be an engine-driver,
And soldiers are horrible men.
I won’t be a tailor, I won’t be a sailor,
And gardener’s taken by Ben.
It’s unfair if you say that you’ll write great
music, you horrid, you unkind (I simply
loathe you, though you are my
sister), you beast, cad, coward, cheat,
bully, liar!
Well? Say what’s left for me then!
But we won’t go to your ugly music.
(Listen!) Ben will garden and dig,
And Claire will finish her wondrous pictures
All flaming and splendid and big.
And I’ll be a perfectly marvellous carpenter,
and I’ll make cupboards and benches
and tables and … and baths, and
nice wooden boxes for studs and
money,
And you’ll be jealous, you pig!
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Analysis (AI Assisted)
This poem vibrantly captures the playful yet competitive spirit of childhood, where dreams and ambitions are bold and boundless but also fiercely territorial. The speaker, a child, navigates their frustrations and aspirations, vying for a place of greatness among siblings who have already claimed the prestigious roles of poet, musician, painter, gardener, and more. The tone is lighthearted yet tinged with raw emotion, mirroring the often unfiltered feelings of children.
What makes the poem so compelling is its authenticity. The speaker’s voice is unapologetically candid, filled with the kind of dramatic flair and righteous indignation that feels quintessentially childlike. Lines like “you beast, cad, coward, cheat, bully, liar!” burst forth with unrestrained energy, emphasizing the speaker’s deep frustration at feeling left out or overshadowed. This emotional immediacy draws readers in, evoking empathy and perhaps a chuckle of recognition for the universal squabbles of siblings.
The poem also cleverly explores the idea of identity and self-worth in a way that feels accessible yet profound. Each sibling’s chosen ambition represents a claim to individuality, a way of standing out in a family where roles seem to be rapidly filling up. The speaker’s journey toward embracing carpentry is both humorous and touching—what begins as a concession transforms into a declaration of pride and uniqueness. The specificity of “nice wooden boxes for studs and money” adds a charming touch, grounding the speaker’s lofty dreams in tangible, relatable details.
Underlying the humor and frustration is a subtle commentary on the nature of creativity and the human desire to leave a mark. The poem suggests that greatness can take many forms, even in roles that might initially seem less glamorous. By the end, the speaker reclaims their sense of purpose, turning what felt like a limitation into an opportunity for individuality. The playful jab at the musician sibling—“you’ll be jealous, you pig!”—underscores this triumph with a note of sibling rivalry that feels endearing rather than harsh.
The structure of the poem mirrors the speaker’s emotional journey. It moves from an initial outburst of frustration to a grudging acceptance and finally to a triumphant assertion of their unique path. The rhythm and rhyme maintain a playful tone throughout, adding to the sense of a child’s unfiltered, rapid-fire thoughts spilling onto the page.
In the end, the poem is a celebration of youthful imagination and resilience. It captures the messy, vibrant dynamics of family life and the universal struggle to carve out a space of one’s own. The speaker’s journey from frustration to self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring, reminding us that creativity is not limited to one form or medium—it’s a spirit that can flourish in countless ways.