The Lay Of The Motor-Car

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
We're away! and the wind whistles shrewd In our whiskers and teeth; And the granite-like grey of the road Seems to slide underneath. As an eagle might sweep through the sky, So we sweep through the land; And the pallid pedestrians fly When they hear us at hand. We outpace, we outlast, we outstrip! Not the fast-fleeing hare, Nor the racehorses under the whip, Nor the birds of the air Can compete with our swiftness sublime, Our ease and our grace. We annihilate chickens and time And policemen and space. Do you mind that fat grocer who crossed? How he dropped down to pray In the road when he saw he was lost; How he melted away Underneath, and there rang through the fog His earsplitting squeal As he went, Is that he or a dog, That stuff on the wheel?

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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 delightful exploration of motion and the thrill of speed, told with a dash of humor and playful irreverence. Its tone is energetic, if not a little mischievous, effectively capturing the exhilaration of a journey in a fast-moving vehicle. The opening stanza sets the stage with sensory language that conveys the feel of the wind and the rushing landscape, likening the experience to an eagle's flight. This comparison not only emphasizes the speed and freedom of the journey but also alludes to the dominance over the environment that the vehicle affords.

The second and third stanzas delve further into the theme of speed, juxtaposing the vehicle's velocity against various fast creatures (hares, racehorses, birds), and by doing so, the poet illustrates human innovation's triumph over nature. A noteworthy literary device in the poem is the use of hyperbole, particularly in the phrase "we annihilate chickens and time and policemen and space," which humorously exaggerates the vehicle's capabilities, underlining the poem's light-hearted nature. The final stanza introduces a moment of absurdity with the "fat grocer" anecdote, adding a touch of humor while subtly critiquing the shock and awe that such swift technological advancements can bring about in society. In terms of structure, the rhythm and rhyme scheme aid in creating a sense of momentum and movement, mirroring the poem's thematic content. Overall, the poem is an engaging commentary on the exhilaration and disruption brought about by speed and progress.

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.