Wrecked

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Ballad
    The winds are singing a death-knell      Out on the main to-night;     The sky droops low -- and many a bark      That sailed from harbors bright,         Like many an one before,         Shall enter port no more:     And a wreck shall drift to some unknown shore      Before to-morrow's light.     The clouds are hanging a death-pall      Over the sea to-night;     The stars are veiled -- and the hearts that sailed      Away from harbors bright,     Shall sob their last for their quiet home --     And, sobbing, sink 'neath the whirling foam      Before the morning's light.     The waves are weaving a death-shroud      Out on the main to-night;     Alas! the last prayer whispered there      By lips with terror white!         Over the ridge of gloom,         Not a star will loom!     God help the souls that will meet their doom      Before the dawn of light!          *    *    *    *    *     The breeze is singing a joy song      Over the sea to-day;     The storm is dead and the waves are red      With the flush of the morning's ray;     And the sleepers sleep, but beyond the deep     The eyes that watch for the ships shall weep      For the hearts they bore away.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem articulates a thorough exploration of mortality and the capriciousness of nature, employing seafaring imagery as a metaphor for life's uncertainties and inevitable end. The author utilizes a refrain-like structure, repeating phrases such as "Out on the main to-night," to create a haunting, melancholic atmosphere. The tone is initially somber, mirroring the foreboding atmosphere of the sea before a storm, but takes a poignant turn in the final stanza, emphasizing the bittersweet paradox of life's transience and the continuity of nature.

The poet’s use of personification, attributing human emotions and actions to the wind, clouds, waves, and even the sunrise, is striking. This technique imbues the natural elements with a sense of agency, suggesting that they play an active role in the human drama of life and death. The poem's central themes are underscored by vivid imagery, particularly the use of the sea as a symbol for the unknown and the dangerous, yet often beautiful, journey of life. Despite the tragic loss described, the poem concludes on a jarring yet poignant note of joy, signaling that life and nature continue even amidst human sorrow. This harsh reality presents a stark contrast to the human desire for permanence and safety, ultimately highlighting the transient and fragile nature of human existence.

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.