Where is David, the Next King of Israel?

By Vachel Lindsay

Ballad
        Where is David? . . .    O God's people,         Saul has passed, the good and great.         Mourn for Saul the first-anointed -         Head and shoulders o'er the state.         He was found among the Prophets:         Judge and monarch, merged in one.         But the wars of Saul are ended         And the works of Saul are done.         Where is David, ruddy shepherd,         God's boy-king for Israel?         Mystic, ardent, dowered with beauty,         Singing where still waters dwell?         Prophet, find that destined minstrel         Wandering on the range to-day,         Driving sheep and crooning softly         Psalms that cannot pass away.         "David waits," the prophet answers,         "In a black notorious den,         In a cave upon the border         With four hundred outlaw men.         "He is fair, and loved of women,         Mighty-hearted, born to sing:         Thieving, weeping, erring, praying,         Radiant royal rebel-king.         "He will come with harp and psaltry,         Quell his troop of convict swine,         Quell his mad-dog roaring rascals,         Witching them with words divine -                  "They will ram the walls of Zion!                  They will win us Salem hill,                  All for David, Shepherd David -                  Singing like a mountain rill!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem masterfully weaves together biblical allusions and robust emotional imagery to create a vibrant tapestry of human character and divine destiny. The central figures, Saul and David, are drawn from the Old Testament, but the poet uses them to explore timeless themes of leadership, legacy, and the paradoxes inherent in human nature.

The structure of the poem is traditional, with a clear rhythm and rhyme scheme that lend it an oral, storytelling quality. It transitions seamlessly from mourning the loss of Saul, "the first-anointed," to the anticipation of David's ascension. This shift in focus mirrors the cyclical nature of life and leadership, a theme reinforced by the repetition of the question "Where is David?"

The tonal balance between reverence and realism is one of the poem's standout features. While the characters are initially painted with a brush of divine grandeur, as the narrative progresses, their human flaws are revealed. David is "fair, and loved of women," but also "thieving, weeping, erring, praying." This dichotomy serves to remind us of the complex nature of heroes and leaders, who can embody both admirable and less savory traits.

The poem employs vivid imagery and evocative language, particularly in the depiction of David's followers as "a troop of convict swine" and "mad-dog roaring rascals." This crude characterization contrasts sharply with the divine language used to describe David himself, emphasizing the transformative power of his leadership.

Overall, this poem is a rich exploration of human nature, leadership, and destiny, delivered through the engaging medium of biblical storytelling.

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.