In a Belgian Garden (Poem by Frank Oliver Call)

In a Belgian Garden

By Frank Oliver Call

Once in a Belgian garden,

    (Ah, many months ago!)

I saw like pale Madonnas

    The tall white lilies blow.

Great poplars swayed and trembled

    Afar against the sky,

And green with flags and rushes

    The river wandered by.

Amid the waving wheatfields

    Glowed poppies blazing red,

And showering strange wild music

    A lark rose overhead.

***

The lark has ceased his singing,

    The wheat is trodden low,

And in the blood-stained garden

    No more the lilies blow.

And where green poplars trembled

    Stand shattered trunks instead,

And lines of small white crosses

    Keep guard above the dead.

For here brave lads and noble,

    From lands beyond the deep,

Beneath the small white crosses

    Have laid them down to sleep.

They laid them down with gladness

    Upon the alien plain,

That this same Belgian garden

    Might bud and bloom again.

Poem Analysis:

Frank Oliver Call's poignant poem, "In a Belgian Garden," paints a vivid picture of the stark transformation experienced by a once-idyllic Belgian garden during the tumultuous times of war. This analysis delves into the thematic elements, evocative imagery, and profound emotions encapsulated within the verses, exploring how the poet grapples with the devastation wrought by conflict while celebrating the resilience of nature and the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

1. Transformation of Beauty: The poem begins by transporting readers to a Belgian garden, described as a haven of tranquility with pale Madonnas in the form of tall white lilies. The imagery of the garden evokes serenity and purity, setting the stage for the transformative journey that unfolds. The use of temporal markers like "many months ago" adds a poignant layer, emphasizing the fleeting nature of beauty.
2. Symbolism in Nature: Nature is a central motif in Call's poem, serving as a powerful symbol for the impact of war. The garden, once adorned with blooming lilies, now stands as a poignant metaphor for the ravages of conflict. Poppies, associated with remembrance, and the melancholic song of the lark contribute to the multifaceted narrative, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and death.
3. The Harsh Reality of War: The poem takes a somber turn as Call depicts the aftermath of war. The once-vibrant garden lies desolate, with the lilies no longer blooming. Shattered poplar trunks and small white crosses replace the once-grandeur landscape, providing a stark visual representation of the destruction and loss brought about by conflict.
4. Homage to the Fallen: Call pays tribute to the fallen soldiers who laid down their lives in the Belgian garden. The imagery of small white crosses and the mention of "brave lads and noble" underscore the sacrifice and valor of those who fought on foreign soil. The poet honors their memory by commemorating their final resting place within the verses of the poem.
5. Resilience and Hope: Despite the devastation, Call introduces an element of hope in the concluding stanzas. The garden, now a symbol of rebirth and regeneration, is destined to "bud and bloom again." The juxtaposition of the garden's renewal with the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers imparts a profound sense of continuity and resilience, suggesting that even in the face of tragedy, life finds a way to endure.

"In a Belgian Garden" by Frank Oliver Call stands as a poignant exploration of the impact of war on both nature and humanity. Through rich and evocative imagery, the poet navigates themes of beauty, sacrifice, and renewal. The poem serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of life, even in the shadow of conflict, and pays homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on foreign soil.