Hoodoo.

By Madison Julius Cawein

Ballad
    She mutters and stoops by the lone bayou     The little green leaves are hushed on the trees     An owl in an oak cries"Who-oh-who,"     And a fox barks back where the moon slants through     The moss that sways to a sudden breeze     Or That she sees,     Whose eyes are coals in the light o' the moon.     "Soon, oh, soon," hear her croon,     " Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!"     She mutters and kneels and her bosom is bare     The little green leaves are stirred on the trees     A black bat brushes her unkempt hair,     And the hiss of a snake glides 'round her there     Or is it the voice of the ghostly breeze,     Or That she sees,     Whose mouth is flame in the light o' the moon?     "Soon, oh, soon," hear her croon,     "Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!"     She mutters and digs and buries it deep     The little green leaves are wild on the trees     And nearer and nearer the noises creep,     That gibber and maunder and whine and weep     Or is it the wave and the weariless breeze,     Or That she sees,     Which hobbles away in the light o' the moon?     "Soon, oh, soon," hear her croon,     "Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!"     In the hut where the other girl sits with him     The little green leaves hang limp on the trees     All on a sudden the moon grows dim     Is it the shadow of cloud or of limb,     Cast in the door by the moaning breeze?     Or That she sees,     Which limps and leers in the light o' the moon?     "Soon, oh, soon," hear it croon,     "Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!"     It has entered in at the open door     The little green leaves fall dead from the trees     And she in the cabin lies stark on the floor,     And she in the woods has her lover once more     And is it the hoot of the dying breeze?     Or him who sees,     Who mocks and laughs in the light o' the moon:     "Soon, oh, soon," hear him croon,     "Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!"

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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 haunting narrative that delves into the themes of foreboding, despair, and supernatural elements. Its setting is a somewhat eerie, nocturnal landscape, with a looming sense of impending doom that is echoed repeatedly in the refrain "Soon, oh, soon, Woe, oh, woe to the octoroon!" The term "octoroon" was historically used to describe someone of one-eighth African ancestry, suggesting the narrative touches on the racial complexities and tensions of the past.

The poem follows a rhythmic structure, building suspense and tension through the repetition of certain phrases and its description of the mysterious and unsettling actions of the central character. The environment is very much alive in this poem, with the "little green leaves," the "moon," and the "breeze" serving as recurring motifs that mirror the protagonist's emotional state and actions.

The use of anthropomorphism is also notable, with animals and natural elements imbued with human characteristics, such as the owl and fox that seemingly communicate, the bat that "brushes her unkempt hair," and the snake or breeze that hisses. This serves to create an unsettling atmosphere, blurring the lines between the natural and supernatural world.

An intriguing element is the capitalized "That" which appears in the poem, suggesting the existence of a powerful unseen entity that influences the events. The poem ends on a tragic note, with the repeated refrain turning prophetic. It leaves the reader with a chill, reflecting on the power of fate, racial strife, and the inexorable march of time.

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.