Down By the Salley Gardens

Themes

• Love and Regret: The speaker reflects on a past romantic encounter, highlighting feelings of longing and sorrow.
• Fleeting Youth: Emphasizes the foolishness of youth and the often-unrecognized value of advice from loved ones.

Imagery

• Natural Elements: The salley gardens, with snow-white feet and hand, evoke a serene and idyllic setting, symbolizing purity and beauty.
• Contrast of Life Stages: Use of “leaves grow on the tree” and “grass grows on the weirs” represents the passage of time and the innocence of youth.

Characterization

• The Speaker: Described as "young and foolish," reflecting impulsiveness and a lack of foresight in romantic decisions.
• The Love Interest: Portrayed as wise and gentle, offering advice that is ultimately ignored, leading to the speaker’s regret.

Structure

• Repetitive Motif: The phrase “She bid me take…” appears twice, emphasizing the recurring theme of advice given but not heeded.
• Simple Verse: The poem’s uncomplicated structure mirrors the simplicity of the speaker’s emotions and experiences.

Emotional Tone

• Melancholic: The final lines reveal deep sorrow, indicating a sense of loss and realization of missed opportunities.
• Nostalgic: The remembrance of a seemingly perfect moment contrasts sharply with the speaker’s current emotional state.

Symbolism

• Snow-White Feet and Hand: Symbolize innocence and beauty, enhancing the ethereal quality of the love portrayed.
• River Setting: Represents the flow of time and the natural progression of life, reinforcing the themes of change and regret.

Overall Message

• Highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing love and advice in the moment, as missed opportunities can lead to lasting sorrow.