W. E. H.
By Gilbert Parker
"Henley is dead!" Ah, but the sound and the sight of him,
Buoyant, commanding, and strong, suffering, noble in mind!
Gone, and no more shall we have any discourse or delight of him,
Wearing his pain like a song, casting his troubles behind.
Gallant and fair! Feeling the soul and the ruth of things,
Probing the wounds of the world, healing he brought and surcease —
Laughter he gave, beauty to teach us the truth of things,
Music to march to the fight, ballads for hours of peace.
Now it is done! Fearless the soul of him strove for us,
Viking in blood and in soul, baring his face to the rain,
Facing the storm he fared on, singing for England and love of us,
On to the last corral where now he lies beaten and slain.
Beaten and slain! Yes, but England hath heed of him,
Singer of high degree, master of thought and of word —
She shall bear witness with tears, of the pride and the loss and the need of him;
We shall measure the years by the voice and the song unheard.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker’s poem "W. E. H." serves as a poignant elegy for William Ernest Henley, a poet and critic known for his resilience and vibrant spirit despite suffering from severe health issues. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Parker commemorates Henley's indomitable character and significant contributions to English literature.
Stanza 1: Mourning the Loss of Henley
“Henley is dead!” Ah, but the sound and the sight of him,Buoyant, commanding, and strong, suffering, noble in mind!Gone, and no more shall we have any discourse or delight of him,Wearing his pain like a song, casting his troubles behind.
The poem opens with a stark declaration of Henley's death, immediately juxtaposed with a vivid recollection of his presence. Henley is remembered as "buoyant, commanding, and strong," embodying a spirit that was both resilient and noble. Despite his suffering, Henley managed to transcend his troubles, "wearing his pain like a song." This line encapsulates his ability to transform personal adversity into artistic expression, making his pain a source of creative strength rather than a debilitating burden.
Stanza 2: Henley's Contributions
Gallant and fair! Feeling the soul and the ruth of things,Probing the wounds of the world, healing he brought and surcease —Laughter he gave, beauty to teach us the truth of things,Music to march to the fight, ballads for hours of peace.
In the second stanza, Parker highlights Henley's empathetic nature and his ability to "feel the soul and the ruth of things." Henley’s work is portrayed as both a probe into the world's wounds and a source of healing. His contributions are multifaceted: he brought laughter and beauty, teaching truths through his art. His music provided motivation and solace, acting as both a rallying cry ("music to march to the fight") and a comfort ("ballads for hours of peace").
Stanza 3: Henley's Courage
Now it is done! Fearless the soul of him strove for us,Viking in blood and in soul, baring his face to the rain,Facing the storm he fared on, singing for England and love of us,On to the last corral where now he lies beaten and slain.
The third stanza emphasizes Henley's courage and perseverance. Described as a "Viking in blood and in soul," Henley faced life's storms head-on, "baring his face to the rain." His journey was one of continual struggle and defiance, singing for England and for love until the very end. The phrase "beaten and slain" acknowledges his physical demise but implies that his spirit remained undefeated.
Stanza 4: Legacy and Loss
Beaten and slain! Yes, but England hath heed of him,Singer of high degree, master of thought and of word —She shall bear witness with tears, of the pride and the loss and the need of him;We shall measure the years by the voice and the song unheard.
In the final stanza, Parker reflects on Henley's enduring legacy. Despite his death, Henley's impact on England and its cultural heritage is profound. He is remembered as a "Singer of high degree, master of thought and of word," whose contributions have left an indelible mark. England will bear witness to his life with a mixture of pride, loss, and need. The closing line, "We shall measure the years by the voice and the song unheard," poignantly acknowledges the void left by Henley's passing. His absence will be felt deeply, as his voice and songs once provided a significant cultural and emotional touchstone.
"W. E. H." by Gilbert Parker is a heartfelt tribute to William Ernest Henley, celebrating his life, resilience, and contributions to literature. Through evocative imagery and a tone of reverent admiration, Parker captures Henley's spirit and the profound loss felt by his passing. The poem underscores Henley's legacy as a source of inspiration and cultural significance, whose influence will be measured by the absence of his once-powerful voice.