It Came With The Threat Of A Waning Moon

Author: William Ernest Henley

    It came with the threat of a waning moon
    And the wail of an ebbing tide,
    But many a woman has lived for less,
    And many a man has died;
    For life upon life took hold and passed,
    Strong in a fate set free,
    Out of the deep into the dark
    On for the years to be.

    Between the gloom of a waning moon
    And the song of an ebbing tide,
    Chance upon chance of love and death
    Took wing for the world so wide.
    O, leaf out of leaf is the way of the land,
    Wave out of wave of the sea
    And who shall reckon what lives may live
    In the life that we bade to be?
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is rich in themes of life, death, fate, and the cyclical nature of existence. The tone is somber and reflective, underscored by the metaphorical use of the waning moon and ebbing tide, which symbolize the passage of time and the inevitable approach of the end. The phrase "many a woman has lived for less, and many a man has died" speaks to the universal human experience of struggle, sacrifice, and the pursuit of meaning. The poet's choice of words like "threat", "wail", and "gloom" further intensify the gravity of these themes.

The poem's structure is quite traditional, with each stanza consisting of four lines and a regular rhyme scheme. This lends a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality to the verse, which aligns well with its contemplative nature. Notably, the poet employs repetition ("life upon life", "leaf out of leaf", "wave out of wave") to emphasize the ongoing, relentless cycle of life and death. The rhetorical question in the final line leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty and awe, reflecting on the unfathomable possibilities of existence. This poem, thus, is a poignant meditation on the human condition, exploring the profound complexities of our mortal journey with eloquence and a sobering realism.

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.