The Black Tracker or, Why He Lost The Track

By Henry Lawson

Narrative Poem
    There was a tracker in the force     Of wondrous sight (the story ran):,     He never failed to track a horse,     He never failed to find his man.     They brought him from a distant town     Once more to gain reward and praise,     Nor dreamed the man he hunted down     Had saved his life in bygone days.     Away across the farthest run,     And far across the stony plain,     The outlaws horses tracks, each one,     Unto the black mans eyes were plain.     Those tracks across the ranges wide     Right well he knew that he could trace,     And oft he turned aside to hide     The tears upon his dusky face.     Now was his time, for he could claim     Reward and praise if he prevailed!     Now was the time to win him fame,     When all the other blacks had failed.     He struggled well to play his part,     For in the art he took a pride.     But, ah! there beat a white mans heart     Beneath his old, black wrinkled hide.     Against that heart he struggled well,     But gratitude was in the black,     He failed, and only he could tell     The reason why he lost the track.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a dramatic narrative that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral complexity of human actions. The protagonist is a tracker who is known for his exceptional skills. His task is to track down an outlaw, but he faces an internal conflict when he realizes the outlaw once saved his life. There is a strong sense of irony at play here, as the tracker's reputation is built on his unfailing ability, yet he chooses to fail in gratitude to the man who saved him.

The tone of the poem is solemn and reflective, with a poignant exploration of the tracker's internal struggle. The poet employs a consistent rhyme scheme (AABB), which gives the poem a steady rhythm and enhances its storytelling aspect. The usage of phrases like "dusky face" and "black wrinkled hide" is significant, as they not only provide a vivid description of the protagonist but also symbolize his marginalized status, adding depth to his character. The contrast between "a white man's heart" and his "old, black wrinkled hide" is a striking metaphor, highlighting the tracker's internalized conflict between societal expectation (his role as a tracker) and personal morality (his gratitude to the outlaw). The poem's conclusion, where the tracker deliberately loses the outlaw's track, serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity to prioritize compassion and gratitude over duty and personal gain.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.