Welcome, dear readers, to an exploration of a thought-provoking poem that delves into the very essence of life’s journey and its inevitable conclusion. This piece, often pondered for its direct and cautionary wisdom, invites us to reflect on how we navigate the passage of time and prepare for what lies ahead. Let us begin by immersing ourselves in the poem itself.
The witch that came (the withered hag)
To wash the steps with a pail and rag,
Was once the beauty Abishag,The picture pride of Hollywood.
Too many fall from great and good
For you to doubt the likelihood.Die early to avoid fate.
Or if predestined to die late,
Make up your mind to die in a dignified state.Make the whole stock exchange your own; if necessary occupy a throne,
Where nobody can call you a crone.Some have relied on what they knew;
Others on simply being true.
What worked for them might work for you.No memory of having starred;
Atones for later disregard,
Or keeps the end from being hard.Better to go down dignified
With bought friendship at your side
Than none at all. Provide, provide!
Understanding “Provide, Provide”: A Summary
The poem “Provide, Provide” offers a stark and pragmatic reflection on the impermanence of beauty, fame, and fortune, urging readers to prepare for the future. Though the poet remains unknown, this insightful work is believed to have first appeared in the 1930s, a period perhaps marked by economic uncertainty, which might lend context to its themes of foresight and security.
The central narrative introduces Abishag, a woman once celebrated as “The picture pride of Hollywood,” now depicted as “The witch that came (the withered hag) / To wash the steps with a pail and rag.” This dramatic transformation serves as a powerful illustration of life’s unpredictable turns and the fleeting nature of external glories. The poem’s central idea is a compelling call to action: to actively “provide” for one’s future, not just materially, but also in terms of maintaining dignity and companionship, even if unconventional means are required.
A noteworthy knowledge point for common readers is the poem’s unflinching realism. It challenges romantic notions of aging, instead presenting a practical, almost cynical, view of how to face decline. The repeated refrain “Provide, provide!” underscores the urgency of this message, making it a memorable and often-quoted piece about life’s essential preparations.
In-Depth Analysis of “Provide, Provide”: Themes and Structure
This poem, “Provide, Provide,” functions as a cautionary tale and a guide for navigating the human condition. It explores profound themes through its narrative and carefully constructed form.
The Fleeting Nature of Glory and the Inevitability of Decline
The poem opens with a vivid contrast, immediately establishing its central concern: the transient nature of youthful beauty and success. The transformation of “the beauty Abishag” into “The witch that came (the withered hag) / To wash the steps with a pail and rag” is not merely a physical change but a symbolic fall from grace and status. Abishag, a name historically associated with beauty and service to an aging king, here becomes a universal symbol for anyone who has experienced a dramatic reversal of fortune. The poet emphasizes this universality with the lines:
The picture pride of Hollywood.
Too many fall from great and good
For you to doubt the likelihood.
This serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to the passage of time or the whims of fate. The glamour of Hollywood, a symbol of ultimate fame and adoration, is shown to be as ephemeral as any other earthly triumph.
The Call to Action: Providing for the Future
Faced with this stark reality, the poem offers pragmatic, albeit sometimes unsettling, advice on how to confront old age and decline. The speaker presents a choice:
Die early to avoid fate.
Or if predestined to die late,
Make up your mind to die in a dignified state.
This suggests that while the timing of death may be beyond our control, the manner of our decline is not. The poem then advises active accumulation of wealth and power as a means to secure respect and avoid the indignity suffered by Abishag:
Make the whole stock exchange your own; if necessary occupy a throne,
Where nobody can call you a crone.
This counsel highlights a societal preoccupation with status and material security as buffers against the harsh realities of aging. The “throne” symbolizes ultimate power and immunity from societal judgment, a stark contrast to the “pail and rag” of Abishag.
The Paradox of Dignity and “Bought Friendship”
Perhaps the most challenging and memorable advice comes in the poem’s concluding stanza, where the speaker suggests a controversial path to maintaining dignity:
Better to go down dignified
With bought friendship at your side
Than none at all. Provide, provide!
This line introduces a cynical yet practical perspective on human relationships in old age. It implies that genuine affection may be elusive, and in its absence, even transactional companionship is preferable to utter solitude and neglect. The repeated imperative “Provide, provide!” encapsulates the poem’s core message: a relentless insistence on foresight and preparation, even if it means compromising ideals for practical survival and a semblance of respect.
Structure and Form
The poem is composed of seven tercets, or three-line stanzas. This consistent structure lends a sense of order and directness to the poem’s often unsettling message. Each tercet typically presents a complete thought or a distinct step in the argument, contributing to the poem’s clear, declarative tone. The consistent AAA end rhyme scheme in each stanza, such as “hag / rag / Abishag” or “Hollywood / good / likelihood,” creates a strong musicality and a memorable rhythm. This regular rhyme scheme makes the poem feel almost like a nursery rhyme or a piece of folk wisdom, enhancing its accessibility while delivering a profound and often harsh truth.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Provide, Provide”: Crafting Meaning
The poet employs a range of literary and poetic devices to enrich the meaning and impact of “Provide, Provide,” making it a compelling piece for analysis.
Diction
The poet’s choice of words, or diction, is precise and impactful, contributing significantly to the poem’s tone and message. Words like “withered hag,” “crone,” and “disregard” evoke a sense of decay and societal rejection, highlighting the harsh realities of aging without provision. Conversely, terms such as “beauty Abishag,” “picture pride,” and “dignified” represent the fleeting glories and desired states. The contrast in diction underscores the poem’s central theme of decline and the urgent need for preparation.
Imagery
Vivid imagery is used to paint clear pictures in the reader’s mind, emphasizing the contrast between past glory and present humility. The image of “The witch that came (the withered hag) / To wash the steps with a pail and rag” immediately conjures a scene of laborious, undignified old age. This stands in stark opposition to the implied glamour of “The picture pride of Hollywood” or the aspiration to “occupy a throne.” These contrasting images make the poem’s message about the impermanence of status deeply resonant.
Allusion
The poem employs allusion in several ways. The name “Abishag” itself carries a subtle biblical allusion to a young, beautiful woman who attended King David in his old age, symbolizing beauty and youth in the presence of decline. The reference to “Hollywood” alludes to the pinnacle of fame and beauty in modern culture, making Abishag’s fall even more poignant. These allusions broaden the poem’s scope, suggesting that the cycle of rise and fall is a timeless human experience.
Metaphor and Symbolism
Abishag’s transformation serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable passage of time and the loss of youth and status. She is not just an individual but a representation of anyone who experiences decline. The “withered hag” is a metaphor for the physical and social indignity of aging without resources. Symbolically, the “pail and rag” represent humility, hardship, and a loss of former standing, while the “throne” symbolizes ultimate power, security, and societal respect, the very antithesis of Abishag’s fate.
Sound Devices: Alliteration, Assonance, and Consonance
The poet skillfully uses sound devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and draw attention to key phrases:
- Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, is evident in phrases like “picture pride,” which emphasizes the former glory of Abishag.
- Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, can be heard in “Too many fall from great and good,” creating a somber, echoing effect that reinforces the sense of loss and inevitability.
- Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, is present in lines such as “What worked for them might work for you,” which creates a subtle sense of continuity and connection between the advice and its potential application.
Repetition
The most striking use of repetition is the powerful refrain “Provide, provide!” in the final line. This imperative not only serves as the poem’s title but also as its ultimate, urgent command. Its repetition underscores the central message of readiness and foresight, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and solidifying the poem’s pragmatic philosophy.
Tone
The tone of “Provide, Provide” shifts throughout the poem. It begins with an observational, almost detached, tone as it recounts Abishag’s fate. This quickly transitions to a cautionary and didactic tone as the speaker offers advice. By the end, with the insistent “Provide, provide!”, the tone becomes urgent and almost cynical, reflecting a pragmatic acceptance of life’s harsh realities and the need for self-preservation above all else.
Conclusion
“Provide, Provide” stands as a timeless and compelling poem that challenges readers to confront the realities of aging and the impermanence of worldly success. Through the poignant narrative of Abishag and the speaker’s direct, often unsettling, advice, the poem underscores the critical importance of foresight and preparation. It prompts reflection on what truly constitutes dignity in the face of decline and whether security, even if “bought,” is preferable to neglect. This poem remains a powerful meditation on the human condition, urging us all to consider how we might “provide” for our own futures, ensuring a measure of grace and stability in an unpredictable world.