Do They Know?

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
Do they know? At the turn to the straight Where the favourites fail, And every last atom of weight Is telling its tale; As some grim old stayer hard-pressed Runs true to his breed, And with head in front of the rest Fights on in the lead; When the jockeys are out with the whips, With a furlong to go, And the backers grow white in the lips, Do you think they don't know? Do they know? As they come back to weigh In a whirlwind of cheers, Though the spurs have left marks of the fray, Though the sweat on the ears Gathers cold, and they sob with distress As they roll up the track, They know just as well their success As the man on their back. As they walk through a dense human lane That sways to and fro, And cheers them again and again, Do you think they don't know?

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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 profound exploration of the inner world of horses, particularly those engaged in professional racing, offering a unique perspective that challenges the reader to consider the awareness and emotional depth of these creatures. The theme of struggle and triumph is woven through vivid imagery of a race, underscoring the drama and tension that these animals endure.

The structure of the poem is consistent, adhering to a regular meter and rhyme scheme that echoes the steady rhythm of a galloping horse. Its repetitive refrain "Do you think they don't know?" is a powerful rhetorical device, serving as an empathetic plea to recognize the horse's understanding of its own success and hardship. The poem's tone is both reflective and assertive, intriguingly blending feelings of empathy, respect, and a subtle challenge to the reader's preconceptions.

The poet makes heavy use of descriptive language and metaphor to enhance the emotional resonance of the piece. Phrases like "grim old stayer hard-pressed" and "backers grow white in the lips" not only paint a vivid picture of the race but also humanize the horses, implying shared experiences of pressure, struggle, and ultimately, triumph.

Overall, the poem is an effective call to empathy and understanding, using the framework of a horse race to explore broader themes of struggle, awareness, and acknowledgment of non-human experiences.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

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:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

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.