At Les Éboulements (1)
To M. E. S.
By Duncan Campbell Scott
The bay is set with ashy sails,
With purple shades that fade and flee,
And curling by in silver wales,
The tide is straining from the sea.
The grassy points are slowly drowned,
The water laps and over-rolls,
The wicker pêche; with shallow sound
A light wave labours on the shoals.
The crows are feeding in the foam,
They rise in crowds tumultuously,
‘Come home,’ they cry, ‘come home, come home,
And leave the marshes to the sea.’
At Les Éboulements (2)
A glamour on the phantom shore
Of golden pallid green,
Gray purple in the flats before,
The river streams between.
From hazy hamlets, one by one,
Beyond the island bars,
The casements in the setting sun
Flash back in violet stars.
A brig is straining out for sea,
To Norway or to France she goes,
And all her happy flags are free,
Her sails are flushed with rose.
Poem Analysis:
Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "At Les Éboulements" offers a vivid and evocative portrayal of the natural landscape and maritime life along the Saint Lawrence River. Through rich imagery and lyrical language, the poem captures the beauty and dynamism of the coastal scenery, while also hinting at deeper themes of transience and the human connection to nature. Divided into two distinct sections, the poem presents contrasting perspectives on the river and its surroundings, inviting readers to contemplate the interplay between the natural world and human experience.
Section 1: Maritime Scenes
In the first section of the poem, Scott paints a picturesque scene of the Saint Lawrence Bay at Les Éboulements. The bay is described as being "set with ashy sails," evoking a sense of tranquility and serenity. The imagery of "purple shades that fade and flee" and "curling silver wales" conveys the shifting colors and textures of the water as the tide ebbs and flows.
Scott's attention to detail is evident in his description of the grassy points slowly being drowned by the rising tide and the sound of the water lapping against the shore. The presence of the "wicker pêche" (fishing weir) adds a touch of local flavor to the scene, emphasizing the connection between the natural environment and the livelihoods of the people who inhabit it.
The image of crows feeding in the foam and crying out for the marshes to be abandoned underscores the theme of impermanence and the relentless forces of nature. Despite the beauty of the landscape, there is a sense of transience and vulnerability, as the river asserts its power over the land.
Section 2: Ethereal Beauty
In contrast to the maritime scenes depicted in the first section, the second section of the poem shifts focus to the ethereal beauty of the landscape surrounding Les Éboulements. Scott describes a "glamour on the phantom shore" characterized by "golden pallid green" and "gray purple in the flats." This imagery creates a sense of otherworldly enchantment, as if the landscape is bathed in a mystical light.
The description of hazy hamlets and casements flashing back in the setting sun adds depth to the scene, suggesting the presence of human habitation amidst the natural beauty. The mention of a brig straining out to sea further emphasizes the theme of movement and transition, as the ship sets sail for distant lands.
The final lines of the poem capture a moment of fleeting beauty, as the ship's "happy flags" and "flushed sails" are illuminated by the rosy light of the setting sun. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of appreciating moments of beauty and joy while they last.
"At Les Éboulements" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a lyrical and evocative poem that captures the beauty and dynamism of the natural landscape along the Saint Lawrence River. Through rich imagery and vivid descriptions, Scott invites readers to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the coastal scenery, while also reflecting on themes of transience, human connection to nature, and the fleeting beauty of life. The poem's two distinct sections offer contrasting perspectives on the landscape, highlighting the interplay between the timeless rhythms of nature and the ephemeral experiences of human existence.