Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"I Wish I Lived in a Caravan" is a poem by William Brighty Rands that expresses the speaker's desire to live a carefree, nomadic life like a pedlar-man in a caravan.

The poem begins with the speaker wishing to live in a caravan with a horse to drive, like a pedlar-man. The pedlar-man is described as a mysterious figure who travels from town to town, selling his wares and living a life of adventure. The caravan is depicted as a simple but cozy dwelling, with windows and a tin chimney for smoke.

The pedlar-man's family is also described, including his wife and "baby brown," who accompany him on his travels. The pedlar-man's caravan is filled with various items for sale, including chairs to mend, delf to sell, tea-trays, baskets, and plates with the alphabet around the border.

The speaker describes the pedlar-man's travels along brown roads and past green seas, with his caravan resembling a bathing-machine. The pedlar-man is portrayed as a skilled driver who can "rumble and splash" to the other side of the world.

In the final stanza, the speaker expresses their desire to roam with the pedlar-man and write a book about their adventures. They envision their book being read by many people, just like the Travels of Captain Cook.

Overall, "I Wish I Lived in a Caravan" is a whimsical and adventurous poem that celebrates the freedom and independence of the nomadic lifestyle. The pedlar-man and his caravan are portrayed as symbols of simplicity, adventure, and joy, inspiring the speaker's desire to roam and explore.

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