Three plum buns
To eat here at the stile
In the clover meadow,
For we have walked a mile.
One for you, and one for me,
And one left over:
Give it to the boy who shouts
To scare sheep from the clover.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Three Plum Buns
Poem
Short Poem Analysis
"Three Plum Buns" by Christina Georgina Rossetti is a whimsical and playful poem that uses imaginative and fantastical language to depict a scene of domesticity and sharing. Through its charming imagery and rhythmic flow, the poem conveys a sense of unity and togetherness within a family context.
The poem describes a lighthearted scenario where three characters, representing different members of a family, are depicted as "plum buns" in a "yellow dish." The "plum buns" symbolize the individuality of each family member, while the "yellow dish" suggests a shared space or common ground.
The poem's language is characterized by its simplicity and childlike quality. The use of repetitive and sing-song rhyming patterns contributes to the poem's playful and rhythmic nature, creating an almost nursery rhyme-like atmosphere.
Each character's distinct description highlights their unique traits and roles within the family unit. The "grown-up daughter" is described as "spreading her best smile" while the "lads" engage in lively and boisterous play. These depictions capture the diversity and harmony that often coexist within a family.
"Three Plum Buns" uses imaginative and whimsical language to convey a sense of familial closeness and shared moments. The poem's portrayal of individual family members as "plum buns" in a "yellow dish" metaphorically emphasizes their unity while preserving their distinct identities.
Overall, the poem celebrates the joys of family relationships and the simple pleasures of being together. Its rhythmic and engaging language invites readers to appreciate the unique dynamics and connections within their own families.
