Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Lamplighter" is a delightful poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, capturing a child's admiration for the lamplighter, a figure who symbolizes safety, routine, and magic as he lights the lamps in the evening. The poem is from "A Child's Garden of Verses", a collection of poetry by Stevenson that reflects on childhood themes and memories.

The poem opens with the speaker anticipating the lamplighter's arrival as the sun sets and it's time for tea. This gives the reader a sense of the daily routine and comfort associated with the lamplighter's appearance.

The second stanza presents various occupations that others might aspire to - being a driver, going to sea, or a wealthy banker like the speaker's father. But the speaker, when they're older and able to choose, expresses a desire to join the lamplighter in his nightly rounds.

The third stanza reflects on the fortune of having a lamp before their door and the lamplighter's role in lighting it, along with so many others. This stanza underlines the importance of the lamplighter's job in providing light and safety to the streets.

The poem ends with a request from the child to the lamplighter, asking him to acknowledge their presence before hurrying off to continue his duties. This highlights the child's longing for connection and recognition from this admired figure.

Through simple, rhythmic language, Stevenson creates a nostalgic portrayal of a childhood fascination, combining everyday life with a sense of wonder. The lamplighter's role, now largely a thing of the past due to modern electric lighting, offers a charming glimpse into a bygone era.

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