Sherman's In Savannah - A Half-Rhymed Impromptu

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Ballad
    Like the tribes of Israel,     Fed on quails and manna,     Sherman and his glorious band     Journeyed through the rebel land,     Fed from Heaven's all-bounteous hand,     Marching on Savannah!     As the moving pillar shone,     Streamed the starry banner     All day long in rosy light,     Flaming splendor all the night,     Till it swooped in eagle flight     Down on doomed Savannah!     Glory be to God on high!     Shout the loud Hosanna!     Treason's wilderness is past,     Canaan's shore is won at last,     Peal a nation's trumpet-blast, -     Sherman 's in Savannah!     Soon shall Richmond's tough old hide     Find a tough old tanner!     Soon from every rebel wall     Shall the rag of treason fall,     Till our banner flaps o'er all     As it crowns Savannah!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a stirring depiction of General Sherman's march through Confederate territory during the American Civil War, drawing parallels between this military campaign and the biblical exodus of the Israelites. The poet employs a narrative structure to chronicle this journey, emphasizing the unyielding determination and divine providence guiding the Union forces.

The poem's tone is triumphant and reverent, with a strong sense of faith and patriotism permeating throughout. The biblical references, such as the "quails and manna" and "Canaan's shore", are potent symbols that establish a moral contrast between the Union and Confederacy, painting the former as righteous and the latter as treacherous. The repeated references to "Savannah" serve as a refrain, reinforcing the poem's central focus on this triumphant conquest. The use of metaphors such as "the moving pillar shone" and "the rag of treason fall" adds depth and richness to the narrative, creating vivid imagery that underscores the poem's themes. The poet's choice of diction, particularly the use of words with strong connotations such as "glory", "doomed", and "treason", further emphasizes the sense of moral superiority and inevitability of victory.

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.