Half-waking

Read 'Half-waking' by 'William Allingham' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Half-waking by William Allingham

 I thought it was the little bed 
I slept in long ago; 
A straight white curtain at the head, 
And two smooth knobs below. 
I thought I saw the nursery fire, 
And in a chair well-known 
My mother sat, and did not tire 
With reading all alone. 
If I should make the slightest sound 
To show that I'm awake, 
She'd rise, and lap the blankets round, 
My pillow softly shake; 
Kiss me, and turn my face to see 
The shadows on the wall, 
And then sing Rousseau's Dream to me, 
Till fast asleep I fall. 
But this is not my little bed; 
That time is far away; 
With strangers now I live instead, 
From dreary day to day.

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