Alaskan Balladry.

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    Krinken was a little child--     It was summer when he smiled;     Oft the hoary sea and grim     Stretched its white arms out to him,     Calling: "Sun-Child, come to me,     Let me warm my heart with thee"--     But the child heard not the sea     Calling, yearning evermore     For the summer on the shore.     Krinken on the beach one day     Saw a maiden Nis at play--     On the pebbly beach she played     In the summer Krinken made.     Fair and very fair was she--     Just a little child was he.     "Krinken," said the maiden Nis     "Let me have a little kiss--     Just a kiss and go with me     To the summer lands that be     Down within the silver sea!"     Krinken was a little child--     By the maiden Nis beguiled,     Hand in hand with her went he--     And 'twas summer in the sea!     And the hoary sea and grim     To its bosom folded him--     Clasped and kissed the little form,     And the ocean's heart was warm.     But upon the misty shore     Winter brooded evermore.     With that winter in my heart,     Oft in dead of night I start--     Start and lift me up and weep,     For those visions in my sleep     Mind me of the yonder deep!     'Tis his face lifts from the sea--     'Tis his voice calls out to me--     Thus the winter bides with me.     Krinken was the little child     By the maiden Nis beguiled;     Oft the hoary sea and grim     Reached its longing arms to him,     Calling: "Sun-Child, come to me,     Let me warm my heart with thee!"     But the sea calls out no more     And 'tis winter on the shore--     Summer in the silver sea     Where with maiden Nis went he--     And the winter bides with me!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem exudes a melancholic and nostalgic tone, presenting a poignant tale of a little boy, Krinken, and his encounter with the maiden Nis. The central themes are childhood innocence, the passage of time, and the melancholy associated with loss. The sea is a recurring motif, initially depicted as an entity yearning for the child's warmth and vitality, ultimately becoming the scene of his mysterious departure.

The poet's choice of diction such as "hoary" and "grim" in describing the sea gives it a somewhat ominous, yet also venerable, persona. The sea's warm reception of Krinken in the end contrasts sharply with its initial portrayal, symbolizing the transformation from innocence to a deeper, more mysterious understanding of life.

The structure of the poem mirrors the overarching theme of transition – starting with Krinken's innocent summer, moving to his encounter with Nis, and ending with the perpetual winter that follows his departure. The poet uses repetition effectively, reiterating phrases and lines to emphasize the cyclical nature of the narrative and the unending longing for the past. The poem concludes with a personal note from the speaker, adding a layer of melancholy and personal grief to the narrative. The vivid imagery, shifting tones, and the lyrical quality of the poem create a haunting, evocative piece about the transience of childhood and the enduring pain of loss.

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.