Watching The Crows

By Henry Lawson

Narrative Poem
    A bushman got lost in a scrub in the North,     And all the long morning the searchers went forth.     They swore at the rain that had washed out the tracks     And left not a trace for the eyes of the blacks;     But, trusting the signs that the blackfellow knows,     A quiet old darkey stood watching the crows.     The solemn old blackman stood silently by;     He stood like a statue, his face to the sky.     Black Billy was out of the bearings, we thought,     If he looked above for the bushman we sought;     For we rather suspected the spirit would go     In, well, quite another direction, you know.     Most bushmen on solemn occasions will joke,     And unto Black Bill twas the super who spoke.     He asked, as he cocked his red nose in the air,     You think it old Harrison sit down up there?     Im watching the crows. Where the white man lies dead     The crows will fly over, the blackfellow said.     The blackfellow died, and long years have gone round     Since the day when old Harrisons body was found;     But still do I see, in my vision at night,     A faint figure come like a shadow in sight,     And nearer and nearer it comes till it grows     Like the form of that blackfellow, watching the crows.

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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 compelling narrative piece that explores themes of nature, indigenous wisdom, and mortality within the Australian context, using the story of a lost bushman and the efforts of the indigenous man to find him. The tone is solemn and reflective, effectively conveying the gravity of the situation and the profound wisdom of the indigenous character, Black Bill.

The structure of the poem is traditional, following a consistent rhyme scheme and regular meter, which gives it a rhythmic, song-like quality. The poem’s principal literary device is its vivid use of imagery, which helps to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere. For instance, phrases like "watching the crows" and "a statue, his face to the sky" paint a vivid picture of the scene and the characters.

The poem also intelligently uses irony. The bushmen, who are lost and confused, initially dismiss Black Bill's wisdom, viewing his method of looking to the sky as misguided. Yet, it's exactly this connection to nature that ultimately leads to the resolution of the situation. This highlights the theme of indigenous wisdom and its connection to the natural world, often overlooked or misinterpreted by non-indigenous people.

Overall, the poem is a powerful exploration of the intersections between nature, wisdom, and mortality, presented through a poignant narrative encapsulating the Australian landscape and its cultural complexities.

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.