On The Night Train

By Henry Lawson

Ballad
    Have you seen the bush by moonlight, from the train, go running by?     Blackened log and stump and sapling, ghostly trees all dead and dry;     Here a patch of glassy water; there a glimpse of mystic sky?     Have you heard the still voice calling, yet so warm, and yet so cold:     "I'm the Mother-Bush that bore you! Come to me when you are old"?     Did you see the Bush below you sweeping darkly to the Range,     All unchanged and all unchanging, yet so very old and strange!     While you thought in softened anger of the things that did estrange?     (Did you hear the Bush a-calling, when your heart was young and bold:     "I'm the Mother-bush that nursed you; Come to me when you are old"?)     In the cutting or the tunnel, out of sight of stock or shed,     Did you hear the grey Bush calling from the pine-ridge overhead:     "You have seen the seas and cities, all is cold to you, or dead,     All seems done and all seems told, but the grey-light turns to gold!     I'm the Mother-Bush that loves you, come to me now you are old"?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This powerful poem relies heavily on rich imagery and thoughtful repetition to evoke a sense of yearning and deep nostalgia. The theme revolves around the pull of one's roots and the inexorable call of home, symbolized by the "Mother-Bush". The poet ingeniously uses the metaphor of the bush by moonlight, appearing ghostly and yet nurturing, to represent the paradoxical nature of home – a place that may seem strange and cold at times, yet also warm and inviting as it holds our earliest memories and experiences.

The tone of the poem is both haunting and comforting, reflecting the dualistic nature of the 'Mother-Bush'. The structure is consistent, with each stanza containing a question and a refrain, giving the piece a rhythmic pulse that echoes the movement of the train. The repetition of the Mother-Bush's call throughout the poem serves to highlight the enduring bond between home and individual, no matter how far one may journey. The final line, "I'm the Mother-Bush that loves you, come to me now you are old", is particularly poignant, symbolizing a return to one's origins at the end of life.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.