De Rochambeau

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    On The Presentation Of An American Banner To Camp Rochambeau By The Marquise De Rochambeau At Tours, France, June 1, 1918

    Here is a picture I carry away
    On memory's wall.    A green June day,
    A golden sun in an amethyst sky,
    And a beautiful banner floating as high
    As the lofty spires of the city of Tours,
    And a slender Marquise, with a face as pure
    As a sculptured saint:    while staunch and true
    In new-world khaki and old-world blue,
    Wearing their medals with modest pride,
    Her stalwart bodyguard stand at her side.

    Simple the picture; but much it may mean
    To one who reads into and under the scene,
    For there, in that opulent hour and weather,
    Two great Republics came closer together;
    A little nearer came land to land
    Through the magical touch of a woman's hand.
    And once again as in long ago
    The grand old name of de Rochambeau
    Shines forth like a star, for our world to see - 
    Our Land of the Brave, and our Home of the Free.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem tells a tale of unity, honor, and appreciation, using the historical event of presenting an American banner at Camp Rochambeau as the backdrop. The poet employs vivid imagery, painting a picturesque scene of a beautiful June day, under a golden sun and an amethyst sky. The banner floating high signifies the soaring spirit of unity between the two great Republics.

The poet's use of colors – green, gold, amethyst – creates a vibrant and hopeful atmosphere, while the Marquise, described as pure as a sculptured saint, personifies the grace and dignity of the occasion. The soldiers in "new-world khaki and old-world blue" represent a bridge between the past and present, and their modest pride speaks to a noble humility in service.

The second half of the poem delves deeper into the emotional and symbolic significance of the event, highlighting the consolidation of friendship between two nations. The phrase "magical touch of a woman's hand" emphasizes the gentle, compassionate power of diplomacy. The poem concludes with a reference to the historical figure of de Rochambeau, linking the past and present and underscoring the enduring nature of courage and freedom. The poet's clever use of rhyme and rhythm, alongside rich metaphor and vivid imagery, brings to life a moment in history, infusing it with emotional resonance and universal significance.

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.