Lottery Ticket

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

Lottery Ticket by Robert William Service

 'A ticket for the lottery
I've purchased every week,' said she
 'For years a score
Though desperately poor am I,
Oh how I've scrimped and scraped to buy
 One chance more.

Each week I think I'll gain the prize,
And end my sorrows and my sighs,
 For I'll be rich;
Then nevermore I'll eat bread dry,
With icy hands to cry and cry
 And stitch and stitch.'

'Tis true she won the premier prize;
It was of formidable size,
 Ten million francs.
I know, because the man who sold
It to her splenically told
 He got no thanks.

The lucky one was never found,
For she was snugly underground,
 And minus breath;
And with that ticket tucked away,
In some old stocking, so they say,
 She starved to death.

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