Author: Eugene Field
Grim is the face that looks into the night Over the stretch of sands; A sullen rock in the sea of white-- A ghostly shadow in ghostly light, Peering and moaning it stands. "Oh, is it the king that rides this way-- Oh, is it the king that rides so free? I have looked for the king this many a day, But the years that mock me will not say Why tarrieth he!" 'Tis not your king that shall ride to-night, But a child that is fast asleep; And the horse he shall ride is the Dream-Horse white-- Aha, he shall speed through the ghostly light Where the ghostly shadows creep! "My eyes are dull and my face is sere, Yet unto the word he gave I cling, For he was a Pharoah that set me here-- And lo! I have waited this many a year For him--my king!" Oh, past thy face my darling shall ride Swift as the burning winds that bear The sand clouds over the desert wide-- Swift to the verdure and palms beside The wells off there! "And is it the mighty king I shall see Come riding into the night? Oh, is it the king come back to me-- Proudly and fiercely rideth he, With centuries dight!" I know no king but my dark-eyed dear That shall ride the Dream-Horse white; But see! he wakes at my bosom here, While the Dream-Horse frettingly lingers near To speed with my babe to-night! And out of the desert darkness peers A ghostly, ghastly, shadowy thing Like a spirit come out of the moldering years, And ever that waiting specter hears The coming king!
Type of Poem: Ballad
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem deploys a ghostly, spectral atmosphere to explore concepts of waiting, longing, and the passage of time. Its setting, a desolate, eerie landscape, is populated by a spectral figure who awaits the return of a king. The poem's tone is solemn and melancholy, reflective of the desolation and loneliness embodied by the central figure. The poem's structure consists of alternating stanzas that switch perspectives between the spectral figure and a mother and her child, creating a sense of dialogue that deepens the narrative depth.
The theme of waiting is articulated through the spectral figure's repeated anticipation of the king's arrival. This reflects a profound sense of longing and the relentless, often agonizing passage of time. The contrast between the spectral figure and the mother and child introduces a theme of life and death, with the vibrant, living child juxtaposed against the aged spectral figure.
The poem uses several literary devices to create its haunting atmosphere. Metaphorical language, such as 'a sullen rock in the sea of white,' helps paint a vivid, spectral picture of the landscape. The repeated references to 'the ghostly light' and 'ghostly shadows' underscore the poem's ghostly, eerie tone, while the Dream-Horse white serves as a symbol of hope, dreams, and the passage between life and death. The poem's rhythmic, repetitive language echoes the endless waiting of the spectral figure, reinforcing the poem's themes and creating a hypnotic, chant-like quality.
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:
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.