Ku Klux

By Madison Julius Cawein

Ballad
    We have sent him seeds of the melon's core,     And nailed a warning upon his door:     By the Ku Klux laws we can do no more.     Down in the hollow, 'mid crib and stack,     The roof of his low-porched house looms black;     Not a line of light at the door-sill's crack.     Yet arm and mount! and mask and ride!     The hounds can sense though the fox may hide!     And for a word too much men oft have died.     The clouds blow heavy toward the moon.     The edge of the storm will reach it soon.     The kildee cries and the lonesome loon.     The clouds shall flush with a wilder glare     Than the lightning makes with its angled flare,     When the Ku Klux verdict is given there.     In the pause of the thunder rolling low,     A rifle's answer - who shall know     From the wind's fierce hurl and the rain's black blow?     Only the signature, written grim     At the end of the message brought to him -     A hempen rope and a twisted limb.     So arm and mount! and mask and ride!     The hounds can sense though the fox may hide! -     For a word too much men oft have died.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a chilling commentary on the terror and prejudice enacted by the Ku Klux Klan. The concept of a threatening, omnipresent force is consistently woven throughout the piece, creating an atmosphere of unease and danger. Imagery is a key tool here, with the poet using vivid descriptions of darkness, storms, and the 'signature' of a lynching to underscore the brutal reality of racial violence. The repeated line, "The hounds can sense though the fox may hide!" serves to highlight the relentless pursuit faced by those targeted.

In terms of structure, the poet employs a rhythmic, rhyming scheme, which contrasts starkly with the disturbing content. This juxtaposition serves to further unsettle the reader, reflecting the unnerving normalcy of such violence during the Klan’s reign. The tone is ominous and foreboding, shaped by the weighty themes of fear, intimidation, and death. The poet's choice of words such as 'mask', 'ride', 'verdict', and 'hempen rope' directly link to the Klan, and the looming storm serves as a metaphor for the impending calamity. The poem serves as a powerful critique of racial violence and injustice, capturing the profound fear instilled by the Klan.

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.