A Belgian Christmas

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
    The "happy year" of 1914     An hour from dawn:     The snow sweeps on     As it swept with sleet last night:     The Earth around     Breathes never a sound,     Wrapped in its shroud of white.     A waked cock crows     Under the snows;     Then silence. After while     The sky grows blue,     And a star looks through     With a kind o' bitter smile.     A whining dog;     An axe on a log,     And a muffled voice that calls:     A cow's long low;     Then footsteps slow     Stamping into the stalls.     A bed of straw     Where the wind blows raw     Through cracks of the stable door:     A child's small cry,     A voice nearby,     That says, "One mouth the more."     A different note     In a man's rough throat     As he turns at an entering tread     Satyrs! see!     "My woman she     Was brought last night to bed!"     A cry of"Halt!"     "Ach! ich bin kalt!"     "A spy!""No.""That is clear!     There's a good shake-down     I' the jail in town     For her!" And then, "My orders here."     A shot, sharp-rolled     As the clouds unfold:     A scream; and a cry forlorn...     Clothed red with fire,     Like the Heart's Desire,     Look down the Christmas Morn.     The babe with light     Is haloed bright,     And it is Christmas Day:     A cry of woe;     Then footsteps slow,     And the wild guns, far away.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This piece is a poignant narrative poem that uses vivid imagery and a stark, desolate scene to convey a sense of loss and sorrow. The poem begins by setting an atmosphere of cold and silence, effectively utilizing the winter landscape as a metaphor for the desolation and hardship brought about by the year 1914. The allusions to a bleak winter morning, with the "snow sweeping on" and the "Earth...wrapped in its shroud of white," underscore the themes of solitude and despair.

The poem's structure is well-crafted, with each stanza serving as a snapshot of a moment in time. The poet uses a sequence of simple, domestic images such as a crowing rooster, a whining dog, and a chopping axe, to create a sense of normalcy and calm. However, this tranquility is abruptly shattered by the intrusion of violence signified by the "cry of 'Halt!'" and the "shot, sharp-rolled." The juxtaposition of serene, domestic life and sudden violence serves to underscore the tragic impact of war on everyday existence.

The poem's tone is somber and melancholic, heightened by the stark contrast between the peaceful Christmas narrative and the brutal reality of war. The use of a new-born baby, typically a symbol of hope, alongside images of violence and despair creates a jarring, ironic twist. This, coupled with the "wild guns, far away" in the final line, leaves the reader with a profound sense of unease and sorrow.

Overall, the poet expertly uses contrast, imagery, and a well-constructed narrative to convey a powerful commentary on the devastating impact of war.

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.