The Flag Of Brothers

By A. H. Laidlaw

Ballad
    There is blood upon the Banner, the Banner of the Free,     There is blood upon our Banner, and it lies 'twixt you and me,     And, like the blood of Abel, it crieth from the sod,     And it crieth unto God throughout the Morning.     There's a blot upon the Banner, the Banner of the Free,     There's a blot upon our Banner, and it lies 'twixt you and me,     And, like the soul of Samuel, it riseth from the clod,     And it crieth unto God throughout the Nooning.     There's a curse upon the Banner, the Banner of the Free,     There's a curse upon our Banner, and it lies 'twixt you and me,     And, like the curse of Cain, it scars our brows with pain,     And it sears a Brother's brain throughout the E'ening.     May the Lord now bleach this Banner, the Banner of the Free,     And keep that Banner floating as a pledge 'twixt you and me,     And, like the eyes of Noah, as the Flood of Blood flies from us,     May we see the Bow of Promise in the Morning.     Our Banner, then, unsullied, this Banner of the Free,     Will be a Brother's Banner, held up by you and me,     And, like a Christian people, as example unto others,     We will wave the Flag of Brothers on that Morning.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, through its grim metaphors and biblical allusions, speaks to the damage and division caused by conflict and the hope for reconciliation and unity. The repeated mentions of "the Banner of the Free" create a motif that represents an idealized, united society. However, the blood, blot, and curse on the banner reveal a society tarnished by strife, symbolizing the conflict that breeds division and pain. This is further emphasized by insistent repetition and anaphora, lending a mournful and accusatory tone to the poem.

The poem uses powerful biblical imagery, such as the blood of Abel and the curse of Cain, to illustrate the severity of the damage and the urgent need for healing. The structure of the poem, divided into five stanzas, reflects a journey from a state of conflict and division to a hopeful resolution. The poet skillfully uses the transition from morning to evening and back to morning again to depict a cycle of strife and resolution, offering a glimpse of hope in the final two stanzas. The poem concludes with an aspiration for a cleansed banner and a united, brotherly society, an optimistic vision in stark contrast with the earlier grim imagery. The use of words like 'pledge,' 'Bow of Promise,' and 'Flag of Brothers' underscores this hope for unity and peace, imbuing the poem with a sense of resilience and potential for renewal.

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.