Above The Vales

By Madison Julius Cawein

Ballad
We went by ways of bygone days, Up mountain heights of story, Where lost in vague, historic haze, Tradition, crowned with battle-bays, Sat 'mid her ruins hoary. Where wing to wing the eagles cling And torrents have their sources, War rose with bugle voice to sing Of wild spear thrust, and broadsword swing, And rush of men and horses. Then deep below, where orchards show A home here, here a steeple, We heard a simple shepherd go, Singing, beneath the afterglow, A love-song of the people. As in the trees the song did cease, With matron eyes and holy Peace, from the cornlands of increase. And rose-beds of love's victories, Spake, smiling, of the lowly.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem seamlessly blends historical reflection with an appreciation for nature and everyday life, creating a tapestry of imagery that is both vivid and poignant. The poet employs a journey up a mountain as a metaphor for delving into the past, starting on grand and epic scales with references to tradition, battle, and war, before descending into the more humble and peaceful scenes of rural life.

The poet's use of contrast is particularly striking. The tone transitions from the grandeur and tumult of historic battles to the serene simplicity of the shepherd's song, creating a juxtaposition between the grand and the humble, the historic and the everyday. This shift in focus is not just a narrative device but a commentary on the enduring nature of ordinary life amidst the turbulence of history.

The structure of the poem, with its steady rhythm and rhyme scheme, contributes to the flow of the narrative, guiding the reader through the poet's journey. The descriptive language used throughout the poem, such as "vague, historic haze" and "orchards show a home here, here a steeple" paints a vivid picture, inviting the reader to experience the journey alongside the poet. The use of personification, particularly in the lines, "Peace, from the cornlands of increase, and rose-beds of love’s victories," gives an emotional depth to the scenery.

In conclusion, this poem offers a rich exploration of the interplay between history and the everyday, grandeur and simplicity, war and peace, all within the framework of a journey through time and space. It is a testament to the enduring beauty and strength of ordinary life, even in the face of monumental historical events.

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.