No Man’s Land
By Gilbert Parker
Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, beyond the city gates,
The little city set upon a hill;
And we have seen the jocund smile upon the lips of Fate,
And we have known the splendours of our will.
Oh, we have wandered far, my dear, and we have loved apace;
A little hut we built upon the sand,
The sun without to lighten it, within, your golden face, —
O happy dream, O happy No Man’s Land!
The pleasant furniture of spring was set in all the fields,
And gay and wholesome were the herbs and flowers;
Our simple cloth of love was spread with all that nature yields,
And frugal only were the passing hours.
Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, we’ve left the world behind,
We’ve sung and danced and gossiped as we strayed;
And when within our little but your fingers draw the blind,
We’ll loiter by the fire that love has made.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker's poem "No Man’s Land" is a reflective and idyllic celebration of love and escapism. Set in a pastoral landscape away from the pressures and confines of city life, the poem captures the joy and simplicity of a romantic retreat. Through vivid imagery and a serene tone, Parker portrays an idealized escape where love and nature reign supreme.
Stanza 1: A Journey Beyond
Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, beyond the city gates,The little city set upon a hill;And we have seen the jocund smile upon the lips of Fate,And we have known the splendours of our will.
The poem begins with a reference to "a-maying," an old custom of celebrating spring by going on outdoor excursions. This act of venturing "beyond the city gates" symbolizes a departure from the mundane and structured life of the city ("the little city set upon a hill") to embrace nature and freedom. The "jocund smile upon the lips of Fate" suggests that their journey is blessed with happiness and good fortune, and the phrase "the splendours of our will" highlights the power and joy derived from their choices and desires.
Stanza 2: Building a Dream
Oh, we have wandered far, my dear, and we have loved apace;A little hut we built upon the sand,The sun without to lighten it, within, your golden face, —O happy dream, O happy No Man’s Land!
The second stanza elaborates on their journey, emphasizing the distance they've traveled and the love they've shared ("we have loved apace"). The construction of "a little hut upon the sand" signifies the creation of a personal, albeit temporary, sanctuary. The sun's light and the beloved's "golden face" fill this space with warmth and joy. The repetition of "O happy dream, O happy No Man’s Land!" reinforces the enchantment and otherworldly nature of their retreat, a place where they can escape reality and be together.
Stanza 3: Nature's Bounty
The pleasant furniture of spring was set in all the fields,And gay and wholesome were the herbs and flowers;Our simple cloth of love was spread with all that nature yields,And frugal only were the passing hours.
This stanza depicts the richness of the natural world that surrounds them. "The pleasant furniture of spring" refers to the blooming fields, suggesting that nature itself decorates their surroundings. The "gay and wholesome" herbs and flowers symbolize purity and health, adding to the idyllic scene. The "simple cloth of love" spread with nature's bounty signifies their uncomplicated and fulfilling lifestyle. Time here is described as "frugal," emphasizing that even the simplest moments are cherished and fulfilling.
Stanza 4: Leaving the World Behind
Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, we’ve left the world behind,We’ve sung and danced and gossiped as we strayed;And when within our little hut your fingers draw the blind,We’ll loiter by the fire that love has made.
The final stanza returns to the theme of departure and escapism. By "leaving the world behind," the couple has abandoned societal constraints and immersed themselves in joy and leisure ("sung and danced and gossiped"). The intimate act of drawing the blinds in their hut signifies privacy and seclusion, allowing them to fully immerse in their love. "Loiter by the fire that love has made" suggests a warm, enduring bond, where they can leisurely enjoy each other's company in the glow of their affection.
Themes and Symbolism
- Escape and Isolation: The poem's central theme is the desire to escape from the pressures and confines of everyday life into a secluded, idyllic retreat. The "No Man’s Land" they create is a personal utopia where love and nature prevail over societal expectations and obligations.
- Nature and Simplicity:
- Nature plays a crucial role in the poem, providing a backdrop of beauty and simplicity that enhances the couple's experience. The imagery of spring, blooming fields, and the sun underscores the purity and wholesomeness of their retreat.
- Love and Companionship: At its heart, the poem is a celebration of love and companionship. The intimate moments shared by the couple in their "little hut" highlight the deep connection and joy they find in each other’s presence.
"No Man’s Land" by Gilbert Parker is a tender and evocative poem that captures the essence of romantic escapism. Through its rich imagery and serene tone, the poem portrays an idealized retreat where love and nature provide a sanctuary from the demands of the world. Parker's depiction of this idyllic escape serves as a reminder of the enduring human desire for simplicity, beauty, and deep personal connection.
