Author: Eugene Field
(EGYPTIAN FOLK-SONG) Grim is the face that looks into the night Over the stretch of sands; A sullen rock in a 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!" 'T is 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 Pharaoh 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 mouldering years, And ever that waiting spectre 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 effectively utilizes evocative imagery and haunting metaphors to convey a sense of longing, expectation, and the passage of time. The setting is a desolate desert landscape, embodied by a "sullen rock" and "ghostly shadows," which sets a somber and eerie tone. The speaker presents a vivid contrast between the grim, timeless desert and the vibrant imagery associated with the dream-horse and the child rider, suggesting a theme of life, dreams, and hope amid desolation.
The poet employs repetition, particularly in the phrase "Oh, is it the king?," underscoring the speaker's persistent anticipation for a returning king. This constant anticipation becomes a symbol of unfulfilled hopes and promises, mirrored in the barren desert. The dream-horse, on the other hand, represents escape and freedom from this bleak reality, carrying the child into the night, away from the desolate sands. The juxtaposition of the timeless desert and the fleeting dream underscores the theme of the ephemeral versus the eternal.
The tone of the poem is melancholic yet hopeful, as it oscillates between despair and anticipation. The poem's structure, a series of narrative stanzas, enhances the story-like quality of the piece, further drawing readers into the speaker's experience of longing and expectation. The poet's use of language is richly descriptive and emotive, creating a vivid and poignant depiction of yearning and the passage of time. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of the enduring human capacity for hope, even in the face of unrealized dreams and unending waiting.
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.