Burke Of The Brave Brigade

By A. H. Laidlaw

Narrative Poem
Inscribed to Dennis F. Burke, last Commander of the Irish Brigade, at Gettysburg.     THE SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH.     "Why come ye to this mountain, lads,     In panoply of war?     Why leave ye the hills of your native heath,     To seek these heights afar?"     BURKE OF THE BRAVE BRIGADE.     "We have come to unchain the slave,     And not for a dress parade;     We have come to save man's flesh from the lash,"     Said Burke of the Brave Brigade.     "We have heard his low cry afar,     We have felt the self-same chain,     And we've come, my friends, through peace or war,     To make the land of the Union Star     The land without a stain."     THE SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH.     "Go home to your native soil,     Ye sons of the Celtic brave;     You will have to fight till the last man falls     To free the Southern slave."     BURKE OF THE BRAVE BRIGADE.     "We have come to this fight to-day     With no maiden, bloodless blade;     We have come to fight till the last man falls,"     Said Burke of the Brave Brigade.     "We have felt of an iron heel,     We have known a tyrant's hand,     We have come to fight till the Rebels reel     From the shotted shell of our cannon peal,     And the hero-handled brand."     THE SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH.     "Then come to the battle charge!     Welcome the Celtic yell!     'Twixt you and the South, at the cannon's mouth,     'Tis Gettysburg or Hell!"     BURKE OF THE BRAVE BRIGADE.     "Then 'tis Gettysburg Heights or Hell!     We are here till the game is played;     And a Hell he will feel who dares our steel,"     Said Burke of the Brave Brigade.     So they fought, and the story runs     (All thanks to the Heavenly Powers),     That the field was won by the Celtic sons;     For Hell flashed Leeward from out their guns,     And Gettysburg is ours!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a stirring narrative of the American Civil War, narrating the perspective of Dennis F. Burke, the last commander of the Irish Brigade, and the "Spirit of the South." The recurring themes include courage, sacrifice, liberty, and conflict. The poem is steeped in a tone of valor and determination, and the use of direct speech makes the narrative more personal and engaging.

The poem's structure follows a rhythmic pattern that enhances the narrative flow. It is divided into dialogues between the "Spirit of the South" and "Burke of the Brave Brigade," which allows the contrasting beliefs and motivations of the two sides to be explored. The repetition of the names "Spirit of the South" and "Burke of the Brave Brigade" creates a cadence and reinforces their identities.

The poem employs a variety of literary devices, most notably, vivid imagery and metaphor. The "panoply of war," for example, serves as a metaphor for the military force of the Irish Brigade, while the "shotted shell of our cannon peal" paints a graphic image of the battlefield. Another memorable metaphor is "Gettysburg Heights or Hell," which creates a powerful dichotomy between victory and defeat.

Overall, the poem is a poignant tribute to the bravery of the Irish Brigade and offers a compelling perspective on the motivations and experiences of soldiers during the Civil War. It is an evocative exploration of themes of patriotism, freedom, and the human cost of war, framed within a historical context.

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.