Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
My Charlie has gone to the war, My Charlie so brave and tall; He left his plough in the furrow, And flew at his country's call. May God in safety keep him,-- My precious boy--my all! My heart is pining to see him; I miss him every day; My heart is weary with waiting, And sick of the long delay,-- But I know his country needs him, And I could not bid him stay. I remember how his face flushed, And how his color came, When the flash from the guns of Sumter Lit the whole land with flame, And darkened our country's banner With the crimson hue of shame. "Mother," he said, then faltered,-- I felt his mute appeal; I paused-- if you are a mother, You know what mothers feel, When called to yield their dear ones To the cruel bullet and steel. My heart stood still for a moment, Struck with a mighty woe; A faint as of death came o'er me, I am a mother, you know, But I sternly checked my weakness, And firmly bade him "Go." Wherever the fight is fiercest I know that my boy will be; Wherever the need is sorest Of the stout arms of the free. May he prove as true to his country As he has been true to me. My home is lonely without him, My hearth bereft of joy, The thought of him who has left me My constant sad employ; But God has been good to the mother,-- She shall not blush for her boy.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a stirring exploration of patriotism, sacrifice, maternal love, and the brutal realities of war. It's narrated from the perspective of a mother whose son, Charlie, has left to fight in a war, leaving a palpable void in the familial home. The recurring theme of separation and longing is poignantly depicted, as the mother oscillates between pride in her son's bravery and a deep-seated fear for his safety. The speaker's emotional struggle is portrayed through her internal conflict, forcing herself to suppress her maternal instincts for the sake of her son's duty.
The poem's structure, consisting of seven stanzas with a rhyming scheme, supports the dramatic tone and enhances the emotional intensity. Each stanza ends with a powerful statement that encapsulates the speaker's emotions, offering a cyclical return to her longing and fear. The poet's use of direct speech is particularly effective, creating a vivid picture of the moment Charlie decides to go to war. Literary devices such as metaphor and personification are deftly employed; for example, the 'guns of Sumter' lighting the 'whole land with flame' metaphorically represents the spark of war igniting the nation. The 'crimson hue of shame' on the 'country's banner' personifies the nation's perceived dishonor. This poem effectively captures the personal impacts of war, unifying national events with the intimate emotions of its citizens.
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:
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.