Off Rivière-du-Loup (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

Off Rivière-du-Loup

By Duncan Campbell Scott

O ship incoming from the sea

    With all your cloudy tower of sail,

Dashing the water to the lee,

    And leaning grandly to the gale;

The sunset pageant in the west

    Has filled your canvas curves with rose,

And jewelled every toppling crest

    That crashes into silver snows!

You know the joy of coming home,

    After long leagues to France or Spain;

You feel the clear Canadian foam

    And the gulf water heave again.

Between these sombre purple hills

    That cool the sunset’s molten bars,

You will go on as the wind wills,

    Beneath the river’s roof of stars.

You will toss onward toward the lights

    That spangle over the lonely pier,

By hamlets glimmering on the heights,

    By level islands black and clear.

You will go on beyond the tide,

    Through brimming plains of olive sedge,

Through paler shallows light and wide,

    The rapids piled along the ledge.

At evening off some reedy bay

    You will swing slowly on your chain,

And catch the scent of dewy hay,

    Soft blowing from the pleasant plain.

Poem Analysis:

Duncan Campbell Scott's "Off Rivière-du-Loup" is a picturesque portrayal of a ship returning home to the Canadian shores, capturing the beauty and tranquility of the St. Lawrence River at sunset. Let's embark on an analysis of this evocative poem to uncover its themes, imagery, and emotional resonance:

Maritime Majesty: The poem opens with a vivid depiction of a ship sailing into view, its sails billowing magnificently against the backdrop of a sunset-painted sky. Scott's imagery conjures a sense of awe and grandeur, portraying the ship as a majestic vessel braving the elements.

Homecoming and Nostalgia: The ship's return from distant lands evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing for home. Scott captures the joy and relief of coming back to familiar shores after a long voyage, highlighting the connection between the mariner and their homeland.

Natural Splendor: Scott masterfully describes the landscape surrounding the St. Lawrence River, painting a picture of rolling hills, serene waters, and twinkling stars overhead. The imagery of "sunset's molten bars" and "river's roof of stars" creates a sense of enchantment and wonder, emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.

Journey and Exploration: The poem traces the ship's journey along the river, from its entry at Rivière-du-Loup to its eventual anchorage in a tranquil bay. Scott's use of descriptive language immerses the reader in the maritime experience, evoking the sights, sounds, and sensations of the voyage.

Sense of Place: Through references to "hamlets glimmering on the heights" and "level islands black and clear," Scott captures the unique geography and atmosphere of the St. Lawrence River region. The poem celebrates the beauty of the Canadian landscape and the sense of belonging it evokes in those who call it home.

Temporal and Sensory Detail: Scott pays close attention to sensory detail, incorporating elements such as scent ("scent of dewy hay") and sound ("crashes into silver snows") to enrich the reader's experience. These details enhance the poem's realism and immerse the reader in the sensory world of the river.

Themes of Tranquility and Renewal: Amidst the tumultuous waters and rugged terrain, the poem conveys a sense of tranquility and renewal. The ship's journey symbolizes a return to familiar shores and the comfort of home, offering a sense of peace and serenity amidst life's uncertainties.

In conclusion, "Off Rivière-du-Loup" is a lyrical ode to the beauty of the Canadian landscape and the timeless allure of the St. Lawrence River. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Duncan Campbell Scott invites readers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, celebrating the enduring bond between humanity and the natural world.