Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
"By-and-by," the maiden sighed - "by-and-by He will claim me for his bride, Hope is strong and time is fleet; Youth is fair, and love is sweet, Clouds will pass that fleck my sky. He will come back by-and-by - by-and-by." "By-and-by," the soldier said - "by-and-by, After I have fought and bled, I shall go home from the wars, Crowned with glory, seamed with scars. Joy will flash from some one's eye When she greets me by-and-by - by-and-by." "By-and-by," the mother cried - "by-and-by, Strong and sturdy at my side, Like a staff supporting me, Will my bonnie baby be. Break my rest, then, wail and cry - Thou'lt repay me by-and-by - by-and-by." Fleeting years of time have sped - hurried by - Still the maiden is unwed; All unknown the soldier lies, Buried under alien skies; And the son, with blood-shot eye Saw his mother starve and die. God in Heaven! dost Thou on high, Keep the promised by-and-by - by-and-by?
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 poignant poem centres around the theme of hope and the harsh realities of life. It is divided into four stanzas, each representing different perspectives: a maiden, a soldier, a mother, and a narrator reflecting on the progression of their lives. The repetition of "by-and-by" is a literary device that signals anticipation and a lingering sense of hope, despite the despair that gradually seeps into each individual's narrative.
In the first three stanzas, the tone is optimistic and longing, with each character expressing their dreams for the future. The maiden hopes for love, the soldier for glory, and the mother for the support of her child. However, the last stanza abruptly shifts in tone, revealing the grim reality that none of their hopes have come to fruition. The maiden remains unwed, the soldier dies unknown in a foreign land, and the child, unable to support his mother, witnesses her death. The final lines question the existence of a divine entity, asking whether the promises of hope and anticipation, encapsulated in the phrase "by-and-by," are ever fulfilled. This stark contrast between hope and reality underlines the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, resulting in a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece. The poem's structure, moving from individual hopes to collective despair, effectively illustrates this contrast, making the reader reflect on the fragility and transient nature of human aspirations.
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.