Indian Romance (Poem by James McIntyre)

Indian Romance

By James McIntyre

We know a hill is smooth and round,

Where Indian relics may be found,

This hill it hath a history,

Though enveloped in mystery.

All the youth do fondly glory

For to read an Indian story,

This hill was ancient camping ground,

In creek near by did trout abound.

And from hill top they caught a gleam

Of the river's broader stream,

They came in their birch bark canoes

Into this place of rendezvous.

When States did Canada invade,

Great Indian host was here arrayed,

Here they rallied from near and far,

In eighteen hundred and twelve war.

Chief big Wolfe led them on to war,

And bade farewell to morning star,

He wedded her one year before,

And her he fondly did adore.

To him she never seemed so sweet,

Her dress had beads worked o'er so neat,

And her toilet to complete,

Grand moccasins upon her feet.

Tribe marches and they boldly fight,

Longside of Brock on Queenstown height,

With glory they do return crowned,

Into the hill so smooth and round.

Here big Wolfe drank much fire water,

And it led to his own slaughter,

His death alas did blast and mar,

And dimmed the light of morning star.

Poem Analysis:

James McIntyre's poem "Indian Romance" is a historical narrative set around an ancient hill, encapsulating a blend of folklore and history. The verse delves into the events related to indigenous peoples, particularly during the War of 1812. With vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, McIntyre captures the valor and tragedy associated with the local Indigenous community.

The poem unfolds around a hill entrenched in myth and history, rich with Indian relics, thus setting the stage for an exploration of past glory and tragic encounters. McIntyre invokes the youth's curiosity about the hill and its hidden stories, symbolizing an undying fascination for ancient tales that resonate with the land.

The poet sketches an idyllic picture of the Indigenous people using this hill as a base, where trout were abundant in nearby creeks and they could catch glimpses of the broader river from its summit. He portrays a community that embraced the hill as a place of gathering, weaving together legends and life experiences, from war preparations to love stories.

The poem takes a poignant turn as it describes the historical context of the War of 1812, portraying the chief Big Wolfe leading his people in battle. McIntyre uses this canvas to depict the love between the chief and the "morning star," his wife, bringing a human element to the larger narrative of warfare and patriotism.

The tragic turn in the poem is highlighted through Chief Big Wolfe's downfall due to the consumption of "fire water," leading to his death and ultimately dimming the light of the "morning star," his beloved wife. This twist adds a layer of sorrow, reflecting the devastation caused by the Chief's tragic end due to alcohol, which disrupted his personal and war-oriented life.

"Indian Romance" by James McIntyre is a tapestry interweaving history, Indigenous culture, and tragedy. McIntyre adeptly paints a landscape where Indigenous life, love, and war converge. He not only portrays the valor and glory of the Indigenous community in battles but also underlines the fragility and loss through personal tragedy. The poem serves as a testament to the interweaving of triumph and tribulation within Indigenous history, recognizing the heights of courage and the depths of sorrow in their stories.