Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)
I say 'e isn't Remorse! 'Ow do I know? Saw 'im on Riccarton course Two year ago! Think I'd forget any 'orse? Course 'e's The Crow! Bumper Maginnis and I After a "go", Walkin' our 'orses to dry, I says "Hello! What's that old black goin' by?" Bumper says "Oh! That's an old cuddy of Flanagan's, Runs as The Crow!" Now they make out 'e's Remorse. Well, but I know. Soon as I came on the course I says "'Ello! 'Ere's the old Crow." Once a man's seen any 'orse, Course 'e must know. Sure as there's wood in this table, I say 'e's The Crow. (Cross-examied by the Committee.) 'Ow do I know the moke After one sight? S'posin' you meet a bloke Down town at night, Wouldn't you know 'im again when you meet 'im? That's 'im all right! What was the brand on 'is 'ide? I couldn't say, Brands can be transmogrified. That ain't the way, It's the look of a 'orse and the way that 'e moves That I'd know any day. What was the boy on 'is back? Why, 'e went past All of a minute, and off down the track. "The 'orse went as fast?" True, so 'e did! But my eyes, what a treat! 'Ow can I notice the 'ands and the seat Of each bumble-faced kid of a boy that I meet? Lor'! What a question to ast! (Protest Dismissed)
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: The poem presents an intriguing narrative about the identity of a horse, cleverly using dialect and linguistic play to bring its characters to life. The central theme revolves around recognition and memory, specifically, how certain characteristics, movements, or feelings can be so distinct that they etch a permanent memory within us. This theme is woven throughout the poem as the speaker insists that the horse he sees is, in fact, "The Crow," not "Remorse" as others claim.
The poem's tone is casual and colloquial, capturing the conversational nature of the dialogue. The structure is loose, adding to its conversational feel, and the use of a court-like questioning ("Cross-examied by the Committee") adds a layer of humor and irony. The speaker's confidence in his own judgment, despite his inability to provide concrete proof, is a significant aspect of the poem's charm. The poet's use of dialect and phonetic spelling enhances the authentic voice of the speaker and paints a vivid image of the setting and characters.
The poem also employs a touch of satire, shown through the Committee's constant questioning and the speaker's dismissive answers, which critique society's reliance on concrete evidence over personal belief and instinctual knowledge. Overall, the poem is a clever exploration of memory, identity, and the idea that our innate understanding and experiences can sometimes be more accurate than the accepted facts.
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.