Custer

By A. H. Laidlaw

Ballad
    Foiled on the field with his dead boys around him,     All waiting for Earth to recover her own,     Fortune hath missed him, but Glory hath found him,     While fighting a thousand fierce foemen alone.     Custer's the right wing, the left and the center,     Himself is his only reserve and supply.     This is a battle for Spartans to enter,     Where One makes an army to conquer or die.     Straight on his steed doth he meet the grim battle,     The red line of danger grows deadly and large,     Loud from the hills rings the rifleman's rattle,     But Custer is ready, so forward and charge!     Firing with left hand, and fencing with right,     The reins in his teeth, like a handless young Hun,     What is his fate in the terrible fight?     The thousands hath slain him, yet Custer hath won.     His foemen still seek him in terror and wonder,     Alive in the tempest that darkens the vale;     His charge they still fear in the echoing thunder,     His sword in the lightning, his voice in the gale.

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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 vivid and poignant homage to the bravery and valor of General George Armstrong Custer, a U.S. military officer renowned for his participation in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. The poet paints an evocative picture of the battlefield, symbolizing the intense and solitary struggle of Custer against his adversaries. The imagery conjured up throughout the poem, such as the "dead boys around him," "a thousand fierce foemen," and "the red line of danger," creates an atmosphere of dire intensity and danger, encapsulating the chaos and tragedy of war.

The poem employs a heroic and defiant tone, celebrating the undying spirit of Custer, even posthumously. The repeated assertion that "Custer hath won" despite his physical defeat reflects the enduring nature of his legacy. The poet also compares Custer's battle to a Spartan's war, drawing parallels between the legendary Greek warriors and the general's fortitude and resilience. The fusion of natural elements like "tem

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.