Devon and Cornwall went for a drink – Reviewed
Devon and Cornwall
went for a drink;
they met at The Tamar,
a few jars did clink;
and the evening was fun,
they talked about darts,
and threw clever suggestions,
straight from their hearts.
.
When ‘Chucking-out time!’
was eventually called,
they stumbled out unsteadily,
they’d been truly DevonWalled!
…
You may find the rest of the poem here.
Devon and Cornwall went for a drink
© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes
Analysis
“Devon and Cornwall went for a drink” is a playful and imaginative poem that personifies the neighboring counties of Devon and Cornwall, turning them into lively characters in a story of camaraderie, humor, and misadventure. The poem uses its setting, language, and sensory details to explore themes of regional identity and connection while weaving in a lighthearted tale of overindulgence.
The meeting at The Tamar, a river that serves as the natural boundary between the two counties, is a fitting starting point. It represents both the physical and cultural ties that unite Devon and Cornwall, and the act of sharing a drink becomes symbolic of their shared history and friendly rivalry. The mention of darts and the cheerful “clink” of glasses bring a pub-like atmosphere to life, grounding the narrative in a familiar and relatable social setting.
The structure of the poem is simple and rhythmic, with rhyming lines that give it a conversational flow. Each stanza builds on the playful tone, moving from the initial fun of the meeting to the humorous chaos of their drunken misadventures. The imagery enhances the storytelling, with phrases like “stumbled out unsteadily” and “truly DevonWalled” vividly capturing the physical awkwardness and playful humor of the scene.
The misplacement of Devon in Truro and Cornwall in Exeter adds a layer of absurdity, blurring boundaries and highlighting the interconnectedness of the two regions. This mix-up mirrors the disorientation of waking up in an unfamiliar place, a situation made even funnier by the poem’s exaggerated metaphors. The description of waking up in the wrong place as a “Hell of their own making” and the musical reference to “too many flats, and not enough sharps” add layers of wit and charm.
The poem also engages the senses, from the sound of clinking glasses to the imagined confusion of waking in the wrong location. The humor is rooted in clever wordplay and relatable moments, while the sensory details create a tangible and entertaining world. Lines like “Drink be the Devil of counties” and the reference to angels and harps add a whimsical and almost surreal quality that deepens the poem’s playful tone.
At its heart, “Devon and Cornwall went for a drink” celebrates the shared culture and good-natured rivalry of these southern English counties. By personifying them as characters, the poem transforms geography into a dynamic narrative filled with humor and warmth. It invites readers to view familiar places through a creative lens, making the story both engaging and memorable. This lighthearted exploration of regional identity and human folly ensures the poem leaves a lasting impression.
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
