Fragment of an Ode to Canada
By Duncan Campbell Scott
This is the land!
It lies outstretched a vision of delight,
Bent like a shield between the silver seas
It flashes back the hauteur of the sun;
Yet teems with humblest beauties, still a part
Of its Titanic and ebullient heart.
Land of the glacial, lonely mountain ranges,
Where nothing haps save vast Æonian changes,
The slow moraine, the avalanche's wings,
Summer and Sun, — the elemental things,
Pulses of Awe, — Winter and Night and the lightnings.
Land of the pines that rear their dusky spars
A ready midnight for the earliest stars.
The land of rivers, rivulets, and rills,
Straining incessant everyway to the sea
With their white thunder harnessed in the mills,
Turning one wealth to another wealth perpetually;
Spinning the lightning with dynamic spindles,
Till some far city dowered with fire enkindles.
The land of fruit, fine-flavoured with the frost,
Land of the cattle, the deep-chested host,
The happy-souled, that contemplate the hours,
Their dew-laps buried in the grass and flowers.
And, O! the myriad-miracle of the grain
Cresting the hill, brimming the level plain,
The miracle of the flower and milk and kernel,
Nurtured by sun-fire and frost-fire supernal,
Until the farmer turns it in his hand,
The million-millioned miracle of the land.
And yet with all these pastoral and heroic graces,
Our simplest flowers wear the loveliest faces;
The sparrows are our most enraptured singers,
And round their songs the fondest memory lingers;
Our forests tower and tremble, star-enchanted,
Their roots are by the timid spirits haunted
Of hermit thrushes, — trancèd is the air,
Ever in doubt when they shall sing or where;
The mountains may with ice and avalanche wrestle,
Far down their rugged steeps dimple and nestle
The still, translucent, turquoise-hearted tarns.
***
And Thou, O Power, that 'stablishest the Nation,
Give wisdom in the midst of our elation;
Who are so free that we forget we are —
That freedom brings the deepest obligation:
Grant us this presage for a guiding star,
To lead the van of Peace, not with a craven spirit,
But with the consciousness that we inherit
What built the Empire out of blood and fire,
And can smite, too, in passion and with ire.
Purge us of Pride, who are so quick in vaunting
Thy gift, this land, that is in nothing wanting;
Give Mind to match the glory of the gift,
Give great Ideals to bridge the sordid rift
Between our heritage and our use of it.
Then in some day of terror for the world,
When all the flags of the Furies are unfurled,
When Truth and Justice, wildered and unknit,
Shall turn for help to this young, radiant land,
We shall be quick to see and understand:
What shall we answer in that stricken hour?
Shall the deep thought be pregnant then with power?
Shall the few words spring swift and grave and clear?
Use well the present moment. They shall hear.
August, 1911
Poem Analysis:
In "Fragment of an Ode to Canada," Duncan Campbell Scott presents a powerful and multifaceted exploration of Canadian identity, nature, and the responsibilities that come with freedom. The poem juxtaposes the grandeur of the Canadian landscape with the moral obligations of its citizens, capturing a sense of national pride while simultaneously reflecting on the complexities of heritage and governance. Through vivid imagery and eloquent language, Scott articulates a deep reverence for the land and an urgent call for thoughtful leadership.
Themes and Content
- Celebration of the Landscape: Scott begins the poem with a vivid depiction of the Canadian landscape, describing it as “a vision of delight” that “lies outstretched” between the seas. This imagery not only conveys the beauty of Canada’s geography but also emphasizes its vastness and richness. The references to “glacial, lonely mountain ranges” and “the land of rivers, rivulets, and rills” showcase the natural wonders of Canada, evoking a sense of awe and reverence.
- Nature as a Reflection of Character: The poem connects the characteristics of the land with the identity of its people. The “myriad-miracle of the grain” and “the cattle, the deep-chested host” symbolize abundance and resilience. Scott suggests that the natural resources of Canada are intertwined with the identity and spirit of its citizens, highlighting the idea that the land itself nurtures and shapes its inhabitants.
- Freedom and Responsibility: A significant theme in the poem is the duality of freedom and obligation. Scott poses the question, “Who are so free that we forget we are— / That freedom brings the deepest obligation.” This statement reflects the tension between national pride and the ethical responsibilities that accompany freedom. Scott calls upon the nation to recognize that true freedom is not just a privilege but a duty to uphold ideals of justice and peace.
- The Burden of Heritage: Scott invokes the history of Canada, alluding to the sacrifices made to establish the nation. The line “What built the Empire out of blood and fire” serves as a reminder of the struggles and conflicts that shaped Canada’s past. The poet urges contemporary Canadians to honor this legacy by ensuring that their actions align with the ideals and values inherited from their ancestors.
- Call for Enlightened Leadership: The poem culminates in a plea for wisdom and moral clarity. Scott implores the “Power” that governs the nation to grant its leaders the foresight and insight necessary to navigate the complexities of governance. The call for “Mind to match the glory of the gift” suggests that true leadership requires not only recognition of the nation’s blessings but also the moral fortitude to wield that power responsibly.
Imagery and Symbolism
- Natural Imagery: Scott employs rich imagery throughout the poem to evoke the splendor of Canada’s natural landscape. Phrases like “pulses of Awe” and “turquoise-hearted tarns” create vivid visual representations that invite readers to appreciate the beauty of the environment. The use of sensory details enhances the reader’s connection to the land and fosters a sense of pride in Canada’s natural resources.
- Symbolism of Freedom: Freedom is depicted as both a gift and a burden. Scott’s exploration of freedom encompasses not only the joy of liberation but also the weight of responsibility that accompanies it. This duality is symbolized in the lines that reference “the deep thought” and the importance of “great Ideals,” suggesting that true freedom must be guided by wisdom and ethical considerations.
- Historical References: The poem alludes to Canada’s historical struggles, using phrases like “blood and fire” to evoke the sacrifices made in the past. These references serve to ground the poem in reality, reminding readers that the present state of the nation is built on the foundations of hardship and perseverance.
Structure and Style
- Ode Form: The poem follows the traditional ode form, characterized by its elevated language and lyrical quality. This structure allows Scott to express deep admiration and reverence for Canada, enhancing the emotional resonance of the poem.
- Elevated Language: Scott employs a rich, elevated vocabulary that reflects the grandeur of the themes he explores. Words such as “ebullient,” “Titanic,” and “Æonian” contribute to the poem’s lyrical quality, evoking a sense of nobility and grandeur.
- Rhythmic Flow: The poem features a varied rhythmic pattern that contributes to its musicality. This rhythmic flow enhances the reader’s engagement, inviting them to experience the emotions conveyed through the language and imagery.
“Fragment of an Ode to Canada” by Duncan Campbell Scott is a profound exploration of Canadian identity, nature, and the responsibilities that accompany freedom. Through evocative imagery, thoughtful reflections on heritage, and a call for enlightened leadership, Scott captures the essence of a nation at a crossroads. The poem serves as both a celebration of the beauty of Canada and a reminder of the ethical obligations that come with its legacy. Ultimately, Scott’s work invites readers to reflect on their relationship with the land and their role in shaping the future of the nation, urging them to wield their freedoms with wisdom and integrity.