Old Sweethearts

 Oh Maggie, do you mind the day
 We went to school together,
And as we stoppit by the way
 I rolled you in the heather?
My! but you were the bonny lass
 And we were awfu' late for class.

Your locks are now as white as snow,
 And you are ripe and wrinkled,
A grandmother ten times or so,
 Yet how your blue eyes twinkled
At me above your spectacles,
 Recalling naughty neck-tickles!

It must be fifty years today
 I left you for the Yukon;
You haven't changed - your just as gay
 And just as sweet to look on.
But can you see in this old fool
 The lad who made you late for school?

Oh Maggie, ask me in to tea
 And we can talk things over,
And contemplate the nuptial state,
 For I am still your lover:
And though the bell be slow to chime
 We'll no be grudgin' o' the time

Form: Lyric 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