Author: Madison Julius Cawein
The hat he wore was full of holes, And his battered shoes were worn to the soles. His shirt was a rag, held together with pins, And his trousers patched with outs and ins. A negro tramp, a roustabout, Less safe than a wild beast broken out: And like to a beast, he slouched along The lane which the birds made sweet with song: Where the wild rose wooed with golden eyes The honeybees and the butterflies. But the bird's glad song and the scent of the rose Meant nothing to him of the love man knows. If he heard or heeded 't was but to curse Love had no place in his universe. And there in the lane one met with him A girl of ten who was fair and slim: A farmer's daughter, whose auburn hair Shone bright as a sunbeam moving there: And bare of head, as she was of foot, She passed the tramp with a smiled salute. She bore in her hand, that was dark with stain, A pail of berries she'd picked I' the lane. Without a word he let her pass Like a wildrose nodding above the grass. Innocent, trusting, free from guile, She met his look with a friendly smile. And he? He laughed when the child had passed, And a furtive glance about him cast, Then turned and followed. His chance was now To serve the Whiteman out somehow. He would get even for many a kick. Now was his time to turn a trick. Next day they found her, battered and torn, Her small child's body hid under a thorn. And, oh! I wonder, good brother of mine, Why God in His Heaven gave never a sign. Why she, the lovely, the young, the shy, Like a beast of the field should have to die: While he, the hideous, kin to the ape, God, in His Heaven, should let escape.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem presents a stark narrative that delves into themes of societal inequality, racism, and the inexplicable nature of evil. The opening lines establish a vivid image of a marginalized figure whose life is characterized by hardship and hostility, as evidenced by the description of his worn-out clothing. The poet uses the metaphor of a "wild beast" to describe this character, underscoring his outcast status and the fear he inspires in others.
The poem then introduces a contrasting character, a young, innocent girl who greets the man with an unprejudiced smile. This moment of innocent interaction between two societal extremes highlights the theme of human connection and possible redemption. However, this hope is quickly subverted by the tragic outcome, where the man's cruelty is unmasked, and the girl's innocence is brutally destroyed. This tragic twist prompts the speaker to question divine justice, a theme that leaves a lasting impression of despair and confusion.
In terms of structure, the poem follows a traditional rhyming scheme, which helps maintain a steady rhythm throughout the narrative. The simple, straightforward language ensures the poem's accessibility to a wide audience. However, it's important to note that the poem's racial characterization and offensive language reflect harmful stereotypes and dated views, serving as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue about racial prejudice and social inequality. Overall, this poem, while deeply unsettling, compels the reader to confront societal ills and the question of divine justice.
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:
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.