King Cole

"King Cole" by John Masefield is a poem from the early 1900's, published in 1921, that shows how difficulties and creativity mix together. It looks at a traveling circus performer and the well-known King Cole. It is about the happy and sad times that artists experience, and how strong they are when things get tough. The story is about King Cole who, after he passed away, decides to travel the world assisting those who are sad. He meets a tired circus group having problems with bad weather and a lack of money. Even though things are hard, they still like what they do. King Cole inspires them and gets them a chance to perform for royalty, like the Prince and Queen, who enjoy their show. Masefield's poem asks about pain, how art can make us feel better, and how humans never give up. It ends with the hope that beauty and friendship can exist even when life is difficult.