Written After Swimming From Sestos To Abydos

By George Gordon Byron

Narrative Poem
    If, in the month of dark December,         Leander, who was nightly wont     (What maid will not the tale remember?)         To cross thy stream broad Hellespont.     If, when the wint'ry tempest roar'd,         He sped to Hero nothing loth,     And thus of old thy current pour'd,         Fair Venus! how I pity both!     For me, degenerate, modern wretch,         Though in the genial month of May,     My dripping limbs I faintly stretch,         And think I've done a feat to-day.     But since he crossed the rapid tide,         According to the doubtful story,     To woo, and, Lord knows what beside,         And swam for Love, as I for Glory;     'T were hard to say who fared the best:         Sad mortals! thus the gods still plague you!     He lost his labor, I my jest;         For he was drowned, and I've the ague.

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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 wry, satirical exploration of the mythological tale of Leander and Hero, as it reimagines the ancient narrative through the voice of a modern, self-absorbed protagonist. The poem's form and structure are characterized by a loose, conversational tone, with a consistent stanza pattern and irregular meter that creates a sense of staccato urgency. The use of enjambment and caesura adds to the sense of breathlessness and self-doubt, as the speaker reflects on the mythological hero's bravery and his own lack of it. A significant tonal shift occurs in the final couplet, where the speaker's mocking tone gives way to a resigned, almost defeated acceptance of his own limitations. This shift is underscored by the contrast between the mythological hero's tragic fate and the speaker's own ague, a mild illness that serves as a symbol of his own vulnerability. The poem ends with a precise observation: the speaker's self-deprecation and recognition of his own shortcomings serve to underscore the enduring power of mythological narratives to shape our understanding of heroism and human fallibility.

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.