The Man In Gray

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
I.     Again, in dreams, the veteran hears     The bugle and the drum;     Again the boom of battle nears,     Again the bullets hum:     Again he mounts, again he cheers,     Again his charge speeds home     O memories of those long gone years!     O years that are to come!     We live in dreams as well as deeds, in thoughts as well as acts;     And life through things we feel, not know, is realized the most;     The conquered are the conquerors, despite the face of facts,     If they still feel their cause was just who fought for it and lost. II.     Again, in thought, he hears at dawn     The far reveille die;     Again he marches stern and wan     Beneath a burning sky:     He bivouacs; the night comes on;     His comrades 'round him lie     O memories of the years long gone!     O years that now go by!     The vintager of Earth is War, is War whose grapes are men;     Into his wine-vats armies go, his wine-vats steaming red:     The crimson vats of battle where he stalks, as in a den,     Drunk with the must of Hell that spurts beneath his iron tread. III.     Again, in mind, he's lying where     The trenches slay with heat;     Again his flag floats o'er him, fair     In charge or fierce retreat:     Again all's lost; again despair     Makes death seem three times sweet     O years of tears that crowned his hair     With laurels of defeat!     There is reward for those who dare, for those who dare and do;     Who face the dark inevitable, who fall and know no shame:     Upon their banner triumph sits and in the horn they blew,     Naught's lost if honor be not lost, defeat is but a name.

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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 poignant exploration of the veteran's experience, using vivid imagery to convey the impact of war on the human psyche. The recurring phrase, "Again," suggests a sense of haunting repetitiveness, as the veteran relives his war experiences in dreams, thoughts, and memories. The tone is nostalgic but also grim, reflecting on both the exhilaration and horror of battle.

The poem oscillates between detailed scenes of war and philosophical musings on the nature of life and loss. The structure of each stanza, moving from specific recollections to broader reflections, creates a rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of memory itself. The use of contradiction, particularly in the lines, "The conquered are the conquerors, despite the face of facts," and "Naught's lost if honor be not lost, defeat is but a name," introduces an element of paradox, suggesting the complexity and ambiguity of the war experience.

The poem's imagery is striking, particularly in its depiction of war as a "vintager" whose "grapes are men," suggesting the deadly harvest of conflict. This metaphor is extended with the "crimson vats of battle" and the "must of Hell," which evoke a visceral sense of the bloodshed and brutality of war. The poem concludes with a poignant affirmation of courage and honor, asserting the dignity and worth of those who dare to fight, even in the face of loss and defeat.

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.