Author: Victor James Daley
A horseman on a hilltop green Drew rein, and wound his horn; So bright he looked he might have been The Herald of the Morn. His steed was of the sovran strain In Fancys meadows bred, And pride was in his tossing mane, And triumph in his tread. The riders eyes like jewels glowed, The World was in his hand, As down the woodland way he rode When Spring was in the land. From golden hour to golden hour For him the woodland sang. And from the heart of every flower A singing fairy sprang. He rode along with rein so free, And, as he rode, the Blue Mysterious Bird of Fantasy Ever before him flew. He rode by cot and castle dim Through all the greenland gay; Bright eyes through casements glanced at him: He laughed, and rode away. The world with sunshine was aflood, And glad were maid and man, And through his throbbing veins the blood In keen, sweet shudders ran. . . . . . His steed tossed head with fiery scorn, And stamped, and snuffed the air, As though he heard a sudden horn Of far-off battle blare. Erect the rider sat awhile With flashing eyes, and then Turned slowly, sighing, with a smile, 0 weary world of men! For aye the Bird of Fantasy Sang magic songs to him, And deeper and deeper still rode he Into the Forest Dim. . . . . . That rider with his face aglow With joy of life I see In dreams. Ah, years and years ago He parted ways with me! Yet, sometimes, when the days are drear And all the world forlorn, From out the dim woods heart I hear The echo of his horn.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem has a notably romantic and nostalgic tone, with themes of adventure, fantasy, and the fleeting nature of youth. The central character, a vibrant horseman, embodies an almost mythical figure, a representative of escapism and the pursuit of dreams. His journey through the spring landscape is filled with joy, freedom, and a sense of invincibility, evident in the imagery of a "tossing mane" and "triumph in his tread".
The structure and rhythm of the poem strongly contribute to its overall feeling of motion and progression. The poet employs a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, creating a rhythmic, almost galloping pace that mirrors the horseman's journey. The use of ellipses suggests skipped or lost time, further emphasizing the fleeting nature of this idyllic scenario. The poem ends with a poignant shift, as the speaker reveals a personal connection to the horseman, suggesting a lost youth or dreams. The repeated reference to the "Bird of Fantasy" serves as a powerful metaphor for imagination and aspirations, which lead the rider further into the "Forest Dim", symbolizing the uncertain and exciting future. In conclusion, this poem is a rich exploration of life's adventures, the pursuit of dreams, and the bittersweet passage of time.
Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.
Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:
From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.