To A Usurper

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    Aha! a traitor in the camp,     A rebel strangely bold,--     A lisping, laughing, toddling scamp,     Not more than four years old!     To think that I, who've ruled alone     So proudly in the past,     Should be ejected from my throne     By my own son at last!     He trots his treason to and fro,     As only babies can,     And says he'll be his mamma's beau     When he's a "gweat, big man"!     You stingy boy! you've always had     A share in mamma's heart;     Would you begrudge your poor old dad     The tiniest little part?     That mamma, I regret to see,     Inclines to take your part,--     As if a dual monarchy     Should rule her gentle heart!     But when the years of youth have sped,     The bearded man, I trow,     Will quite forget he ever said     He'd be his mamma's beau.     Renounce your treason, little son,     Leave mamma's heart to me;     For there will come another one     To claim your loyalty.     And when that other comes to you,     God grant her love may shine     Through all your life, as fair and true     As mamma's does through mine!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a lighthearted, playful and conversational tone to explore themes of familial love, jealousy, and the passage of time. The speaker, presumably a father, humorously characterizes his young son as a "traitor" and a "rebel" for pledging his future allegiance to his mother. This playful exaggeration, a technique known as hyperbole, adds humor while underscoring the speaker's mock-jealousy.

The structure of the poem is consistent, maintaining a regular rhythm and an AABB rhyme scheme, which contributes to its jovial, whimsical nature. The poem also uses imagery and metaphor effectively. For instance, the "dual monarchy" metaphor captures the shared love in the mother's heart, while the phrase "trotting his treason" vividly conveys the innocent mischief of a child.

The poem's ending subtly shifts toward a more serious, reflective tone. The speaker acknowledges the transient nature of childhood, and the inevitable transformations brought by time. With a touch of wisdom and a sense of blessing, the speaker imagines his son's future romantic love, hoping it will be as "fair and true" as the mother's love. This shift adds depth to the poem, suggesting the complexity of familial relationships and the bittersweet passage of time.

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.