Florrie

Read 'Florrie' by 'Robert William Service' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Florrie by Robert William Service

 Because I was a wonton wild
 And welcomed many a lover,
Who is the father of my child
 I wish I could discover.
For though I know it is not right
 In tender arms to tarry,
A barmaid has to be polite
 To Tom and Dick and Harry.

My truest love was Poacher Jim:
 I wish my babe was his'n.
Yet I can't father it on him
 Because he was in prison.
As uniforms I like, I had
 A soldier and a sailor;
Then there was Pete the painter lad,
 And Timothy the tailor.

Though virtue hurt you vice ain't nice;
 They say to err is human;
Alas! one pays a bitter price,
 It's hell to be a woman.
Oh dear! Why was I born a lass
 Who hated to say: No, sir.
I'd better in my sorry pass
 Blame Mister Simms, the grocer.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace