To a Canadian Lad Killed in the War
By Duncan Campbell Scott
O noble youth that held our honour in keeping,
And bore it sacred through the battle flame,
How shall we give full measure of acclaim
To thy sharp labour, thy immortal reaping?
For though we sowed with doubtful hands, half sleeping,
Thou in thy vivid pride hast reaped a nation,
And brought it in with shouts and exultation,
With drums and trumpets, with flags flashing and leaping.
Let us bring pungent wreaths of balsam, and tender
Tendrils of wild-flowers, lovelier for thy daring,
And deck a sylvan shrine, where the maple parts
The moonlight, with lilac bloom, and the splendour
Of suns unwearied; all unwithered, wearing
Thy valor stainless in our heart of hearts.
Poem Analysis:
Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "To a Canadian Lad Killed in the War" serves as a poignant elegy to a young soldier who sacrificed his life in battle. Through rich imagery and profound emotion, Scott explores themes of valor, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of a soldier's bravery on the nation he served. The poem reflects both personal grief and collective national mourning, providing a tribute that honors the individual's sacrifice while also celebrating the ideals he fought to uphold.
Structure and Form
The poem consists of two stanzas with a consistent rhyme scheme, which lends it a lyrical quality. The use of iambic pentameter contributes to the poem's rhythm, allowing the emotional weight of the subject matter to flow smoothly. The first stanza presents the soldier's actions and contributions, while the second stanza shifts focus to the tribute and commemoration, highlighting the dual nature of mourning and celebration inherent in elegiac poetry.
Themes of Valor and Sacrifice
Scott opens the poem with a direct address to the fallen soldier, establishing an intimate connection between the poet and the subject. The phrases "noble youth" and "held our honour in keeping" emphasize the soldier's bravery and the high moral standards he embodied. This language elevates the soldier from an individual to a symbol of national pride, suggesting that his actions represent the collective spirit of Canada.
The line "thou in thy vivid pride hast reaped a nation" poignantly captures the soldier's role in shaping the future of Canada through his sacrifice. The use of agricultural imagery, specifically the word "reaping," implies that the soldier's death was not in vain; rather, it contributed to the growth and strength of the nation. The contrasting imagery of "sowed with doubtful hands" in the previous line underscores the uncertainty and fear experienced by those who did not fight, further elevating the valor of the fallen soldier.
Celebration of Life and Nature
In the second stanza, Scott shifts to a more celebratory tone, focusing on the natural elements that will serve as a fitting tribute to the soldier. The "pungent wreaths of balsam" and "tendrils of wild-flowers" symbolize both beauty and resilience, representing the enduring nature of the soldier's spirit. The act of decorating a "sylvan shrine" suggests a sacred space where the memory of the soldier will be preserved, allowing future generations to honor his sacrifice.
The imagery of the maple tree, a national symbol of Canada, alongside "lilac bloom" and the "splendour of suns unwearied," evokes a sense of peace and continuity. This natural imagery reinforces the connection between the soldier's sacrifice and the land he fought to protect, suggesting that his spirit will continue to thrive within the very environment he cherished.
The Power of Memory
Scott concludes the poem with a powerful assertion that the soldier's "valor" will remain "stainless in our heart of hearts." This line encapsulates the enduring legacy of the soldier's bravery, highlighting the importance of memory in the grieving process. The phrase "heart of hearts" implies a deep, intimate remembrance, suggesting that the soldier's impact is profoundly felt on a personal and collective level.
The poem resonates with a universal theme of loss and remembrance, illustrating how the sacrifices of individuals in war contribute to the identity and honor of a nation. By framing the soldier's death as both a personal tragedy and a national loss, Scott emphasizes the shared grief experienced by all Canadians, reinforcing the idea that each life lost represents a piece of the collective national identity.
"To a Canadian Lad Killed in the War" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a heartfelt tribute that intertwines themes of valor, sacrifice, and the enduring power of memory. Through its lyrical form and rich imagery, the poem captures the essence of national pride and mourning, celebrating the bravery of those who fought while acknowledging the deep sorrow felt by their communities. Scott's work stands as a reminder of the costs of war and the importance of honoring the legacies of those who have given their lives in service to their country, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.