Deep Unto Deep Was Calling

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    They rode through the bannered city -     The King and the Commoner,     And the hopes of the world were with them,     And the heart of the world was astir.     For the moss-grown walls seemed falling     That have shut away men from Kings;     And Deep unto Deep was calling     For the coming of greater things.     They rode to an age-old Palace     Where the feet of the Mighty go -     (A Palace that stands unshaken     Despite the boast of the foe!)     And the King from Kings descending -     And the Man of the People's choice     In a Super-Man seemed blending,     And they spoke as with one voice.     And one voice now and for ever     Will speak from sea to sea,     Wherever the British Banner     And the Starry Flag float free.     For our fettering chains are sundered     By the evil that turned to good,     And Deep unto Deep has thundered     Its message of Brotherhood.     It was not a pageant of Victors -     Or a triumph hour of man,     That ride through the bannered City,     It was part of a Mighty Plan;     And the sound of old barriers falling     Rose there where those Rulers trod,     For Deep unto Deep was calling     In the resonant Voice of God.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a captivating exploration of the themes of unity and power, in both political and spiritual contexts. The narrative unfolds in a ceremonious tone, guided by a rhythmic structure that mirrors the procession of the "King and the Commoner" through the city. The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, reflects a steady, forward-moving procession—mirroring the march of progress.

The protagonists, "the King from Kings descending" and "the Man of the People's choice," represent the fusion of royalty and the common man; a significant symbol of unity and democratic power. The repeated phrase "Deep unto Deep" suggests a profound spiritual connection, reinforcing the sacredness of unity. The poem employs the device of personification, with the world's hopes and heart ascribed human feelings, which gives the text a grand, universal scope.

The prominent theme of breaking barriers, depicted through the images of "moss-grown walls" falling and "fettering chains" being sundered, is a powerful metaphor for societal progress. The poet establishes a sense of triumph and destiny ("a Mighty Plan") that imbues the poem with an inspiring and revolutionary spirit. The final stanza, with its reference to the "resonant Voice of God," underscores the divinely ordained nature of this unity, further emphasizing its importance and inevitability. Overall, the poem is a profound and stirring exploration of unity, progress, and the divine hand in human affairs.

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.