Keith's Poen Analysis

Keith / 8-2/ 5-8-00/ Language Poem Analysis


Language Poem Analysis George Henry Boker is the son of Philadelphia banker Charles Boker. In 1842, he graduated from the College of New Jersey which is presently known as Princeton University. He then abandoned his plans to become a lawyer and took up writing. Even though he did not take up arms in the War between the states, serving his country in other ways, both writing patriotic poems and by founding the Union Club in November 1862. The goals of the organization were to raise money for the war effort and to encourage enlistment's in the army. Dragoon's Song by George Henry Boker (1823-1890)


Clash, clash goes the saber against my steed's side, Kling, kling go the rowels, as onward I ride; And all my bright harness is living and speaks, And under my horseshoes the frosty ground creaks; I wave my buff glove to the girl whom I love, Then join my dark squadron, and forward I move.

The foe, all secure, has lain down by his gun; I'll open his eyelids before the bright sun. I burst on his pickets; they scatter, they fly; Too late they awaken,--'t is only to die. Now the torch to their camp; I'll make it a lamp, As back to my quarters so slowly I tramp.

Kiss, kiss me, my darling! your lover is here. Nay, kiss off the smoke-stains; keep back that bright tear; Keep back that bright tear till the day when I come, To the low wailing fife and deep muffled drum, With a bullet half through this bosom so true, To die, as I ought, for my country and you.



As this poem begins, the narrator is displayed in a clean, brave, valiant fashion. Like a night in shining armor, off to battle. His harness is personified so it seems as though it is living and could tell you the stories of war. Like some battles that could be described as cold and dreary. The narrators next line also confirms this with ("Under my horseshoes the frosty ground creaks") his imagery of cold weather. Then the narrator joins his "dark squadron" which symbolizes that death is with them and upon them.

In the next stanza, he comes across a sleeping soldier laying by his gun. I'm assuming he kills him because he is an enemy. And then the narrator attacks the rest of the soldiers and they run frantically. Yet they are still subject to death. To show their superiority, they torch the camp. The light given off from the fire symbolizes that light (the narrators army) will overcome the darkness (the enemy). This also allows any enemy around to see that these men will not be easily defeated. After this fight the narrator is tired and weak.

In the last stanza the narrator is finally reunited with his lady. This brings great joy to both the narrator and his lady. The fact that he leaves on his journey in a clean and valiant way and comes back dirty and smoke stained, identifies with the pains and glories of war. He also tells his girl to "keep back that bright tear." I think this "bright tear" symbolizes her love for him and his importance to her. Then in the next few lines he talks of his death and that he should die with a bullet in his chest for his country and his lady. He almost seems saddened that he did not honor his country with death but really is honoring the rest of the men who gave their lives for this country.

The mood of this poem can be described as valiant or heroic. The words used throughout the poem describe a brave action and wanting or willing to give his life for his country.

The use of semi-colons and two part lines gives the sense of trotting hooves. "I burst in on his pickets; they scatter, they fly./ too late they awaken,--'t is only to die." This has a sound like Clop……..Clop………Clop……….Clop.

The author also gives a foreshadowing effect that the character might not survive another battle or he will be willing to do anything even if it was a suicide mission.



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