White Cockatoos

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Now the autumn maize is growing, Now the corn-cob fills, Where the Little River flowing Winds among the hills. Over mountain peaks outlying Clear against the blue Comes a scout in silence flying, One white cockatoo. Back he goes to where the meeting Waits among the trees. Says, "The corn is fit for eating; Hurry, if you please." Skirmishers, their line extending, Shout the joyful news; Down they drop like snow descending, Clouds of cockatoos. At their husking competition Hear them screech and yell. On a gum tree's high position Sits a sentinel. Soon the boss goes boundary riding; But the wise old bird, Mute among the branches hiding, Never says a word. Then you hear the strident squalling: "Here's the boss's son, Through the garden bushes crawling, Crawling with a gun. May the shiny cactus bristles Fill his soul with woe; May his knees get full of thistles. Brothers, let us go." Old Black Harry sees them going, Sketches Nature's plan: "That one cocky too much knowing, All same Chinaman. One eye shut and one eye winkin', Never shut the two; Chinaman go dead, me thinkin', Jump up cockatoo."

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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 vibrant narrative that delves into themes of nature, survival, and the interaction between humans and the natural world. It is characterized by a lively and engaging tone that captures the reader's imagination, bringing to life the rural setting and its inhabitants.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyming scheme and rhythm, aids the storytelling and helps to create vivid and dynamic imagery. The poet uses personification effectively, imbuing the cockatoos with human attributes and emotions, which adds an element of humor and charm to the narrative. This approach serves to highlight the intelligence and adaptability of these creatures, and also invites the reader to question the traditional hierarchy between humans and animals.

The poem also employs a variety of other literary devices to great effect. Metaphors and similes are used to draw comparatives between the cockatoos, humans, and elements of the natural world, creating a rich tapestry of images that helps to immerse the reader in the narrative. The poem's ending, which suggests a cycle of life and death, further deepens the thematic exploration of survival and adaptation.

Overall, this poem is a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of nature, life, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. It combines vivid imagery, engaging narrative, and effective use of literary devices to create a piece that is both entertaining and insightful.

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.