A Departure

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
Since first the White Horse Banner blew free, By Hengist's horde unfurled, Nothing has changed on land or sea Of the things that steer the world. (As it was when the long-ships scudded through the gale So it is where the Liners go.) Time and Tide, they are both in a tale "Woe to the weaker, woe! " No charm can bridle the hard-mouthed wind Or smooth the fretting swell. No gift can alter the grey Sea's mind, But she serves the strong man well. (As it is when her uttermost deeps are stirred So it is where the quicksands show,) All the waters have but one word "Woe to the weaker, woe! " The feast is ended, the tales are told, The dawn is overdue, And we meet on the quay in the whistling cold Where the galley waits her crew. Out with the torches, they have flared too long, And bid the harpers go. Wind and warfare have but one song "Woe to the weaker, woe!" Hail to the great oars gathering way, As the beach begins to slide! Hail to the war-shields' click and play As they lift along our side! Hail to the first wave over the bow Slow for the sea-stroke! Slow! All the benches are grunting now: "Woe to the weaker, woe!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is imbued with vivid imagery and stark symbolism, revolving around the inexorable themes of time, power, and survival. Its tone is one of stoic acceptance and grim determination, acknowledging the harsh realities of the world and its unforgiving nature. The poet artfully uses the recurring refrain "Woe to the weaker, woe!" to emphasize the survival of the fittest concept and the inevitability of struggle.

The poem's structure follows a rhythmic pattern, with each stanza ending on the crucial refrain, thus creating a cyclical sense of time and destiny. The poet employs metaphors and similes, juxtaposing the elements of nature – the wind, the sea, time, and tide – with human endeavors, emphasizing their permanence in contrast to human transience. The poet also effectively uses sound devices, such as alliteration and assonance, to enhance the rhythm and musicality of the poem. The final stanza, filled with action and sensory details, culminates in a powerful vision of men rowing into the uncertain future, once again echoing the refrain as an unchanging truth. This poem is a compelling exploration of human resilience and the unyielding laws of nature.

Understanding Ballads

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:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

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.