Reminiscences
By James McIntyre
On the laying of the corner stone of the Brock monument at Queenston Heights, and the final interment of the General who had fallen at the battle of Queenston, Oct. 13th, 1812. The remains of his Aide, Col. McDonald, were also deposited under the new tower.
A wail went o'er broad Canada,
When it was known a vile outlaw
Had at midnight's awful hour,
With ruffian hand blown up the tower.
'Neath which had slept the gallant Brock
Who bravely fell on Queenston's rock,
But graceful column soon shall rise,
Its beauteous shaft will kiss the skies.
For from Queenston's woody height
You may behold a pleasing sight,
The grim old veterans of the war,
Militiamen with many a scar.
Indian braves from each nation,
Grouped to pay their last ovation,
Round the remains of General Brock,
Who led them oft in battle's shock.
Old heroes now again do rally,
Feebly they move along the valley,
Not as they rushed in days of yore
When torrent like they onward bore.
And swept away the foeman's ranks
O'er Niagara's rugged banks,
So indignant was their grief
On losing of their warrior chief.
Now with triumphant funeral car,
Adorned with implements of war,
The sad procession slow ascends,
As round the hill its way it wends.
Marching to mournful, solemn note,
While grand old flags around it float,
And now may peace be never broken
'Mong lands where Saxon tongue is spoken.
"For peace hath victories by far
More glorious than horrid war,"
England doth Longfellow revere,
And America loves Shakespeare.
Note:
The oration on the above interesting occasion was delivered by the late Hon. William H. Merritt, projector of the Welland Canal. He served at the battle when a young man. We witnessed the interesting ceremony and shall never forget it.
Poem Analysis:
PoemMcIntyre’s poem "Reminiscences" serves as a poignant elegy to the memory of General Brock and the valor of those who fought in the War of 1812, particularly at the Battle of Queenston Heights. Through vivid imagery, historical references, and emotional resonance, McIntyre captures the essence of mourning and remembrance in the face of loss, while also conveying a message of hope and peace.
Themes and Content
- Loss and Mourning: The poem opens with a sense of national grief: "A wail went o'er broad Canada," establishing the weight of loss felt across the country following the destruction of the monument to General Brock. The reference to a "vile outlaw" who "blown up the tower" evokes feelings of outrage and sorrow, illustrating the desecration of a site honoring a national hero.
- Heroism and Valor: McIntyre pays homage to General Brock, highlighting his bravery in battle with lines like "Who bravely fell on Queenston's rock." The poet honors not just Brock but the collective memory of those who fought, referencing "grim old veterans of the war" and "militiamen with many a scar." This collective memory reinforces the theme of heroism as an integral part of Canada’s identity.
- Unity and Commemoration: The imagery of various groups—veterans, Indian braves, and soldiers—gathered to pay tribute suggests a sense of unity in mourning. The “ovation” for Brock from diverse factions illustrates the broad respect he commanded across different communities, emphasizing the importance of commemorating shared sacrifices.
- Time and Reflection: The contrast between the past and present is palpable, with the veterans described as "feebly" moving compared to their "torrent" pace in earlier battles. This reflection on aging and loss highlights the passage of time and its impact on memory, reinforcing the theme of nostalgia for a bygone era of valor.
- Hope for Peace: The poem transitions from mourning to a vision of hope, encapsulated in the desire for peace: "Now may peace be never broken / 'Mong lands where Saxon tongue is spoken." McIntyre contrasts the "horrid war" with the notion that "peace hath victories by far / More glorious," suggesting that the ultimate goal of honoring the past is to foster a better future.
Imagery and Symbolism
- Natural and Historical Imagery: The references to "Queenston's woody height" and "Niagara's rugged banks" serve as both a geographical anchor and a reminder of the landscape's historical significance. These images evoke a sense of place that is intimately tied to the national narrative.
- Military Symbolism: The "triumphant funeral car" adorned with "implements of war" symbolizes the interplay between honor and grief. This imagery signifies the respect paid to fallen heroes while acknowledging the cost of warfare.
- Flags and Procession: The "grand old flags" floating around the mournful procession symbolize national pride and remembrance, reinforcing the poem’s themes of unity and honor for those who served. The solemn note of the march contributes to the overall mood of reverence.
Structure and Style
- Rhyme and Meter: The poem employs a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic structure, creating a musical quality that enhances its elegiac tone. This rhythm complements the solemnity of the subject matter while also making it accessible and engaging.
- Repetition: The use of repetition, particularly in phrases related to mourning and remembrance, reinforces the emotional weight of the poem. This technique allows McIntyre to emphasize the collective grief felt by the nation.
- Historical Context: McIntyre integrates historical references to enrich the poem’s meaning. By invoking figures like Longfellow and Shakespeare, he connects the Canadian experience to broader literary and cultural traditions, further deepening the poem’s resonance.
"Reminiscences" by James McIntyre is a deeply reflective poem that honors the memory of General Brock and the valor of those who fought in the War of 1812. Through its exploration of loss, heroism, and the longing for peace, the poem serves as both a tribute and a call for unity in the face of grief. McIntyre’s use of vivid imagery and historical references paints a rich tapestry of remembrance that resonates with both national pride and a hopeful vision for the future. Ultimately, the poem underscores the importance of honoring the past as a means of fostering peace and understanding among nations.