The Tall Dakoon
By Gilbert Parker
The Tall Dakoon, the bridle rein he shook, and called aloud,
His Arab steed sprang down the mists which wrapped them like a shroud;
But up there rang the clash of steel, the clanking silver chain,
The war-cry of the Tall Dakoon, the moaning of the slain.
And long they fought — the Tall Dakoon, the children of the mist,
But he was swift with lance and shield, and supple of the wrist,
Yet if he rose, or if he fell, no man hath proof to show —
And wide the world beyond the mists, and deep the vales below!
For when a man, because of love, hath wrecked and burned his ships,
And when a man for hate of love hath curses on his lips,
Though he should be the peasant born, or be the Tall Dakoon,
What matters then, of hap, or place, the mist comes none too soon!
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker's poem "The Tall Dakoon" transports readers to a realm of mystery and adventure, exploring themes of courage, destiny, and the inexorable passage of time. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem immerses readers in the dramatic tale of the eponymous Dakoon as he navigates the challenges of war and fate. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
The Heroic Dakoon
The poem opens with a dramatic scene of the Tall Dakoon riding into battle on his Arab steed, surrounded by mist and the sounds of clashing steel. Parker's vivid description captures the bravery and prowess of the Dakoon as he leads his warriors into combat. The imagery of the "clanking silver chain" and the "war-cry" evokes a sense of urgency and intensity, emphasizing the high stakes of the conflict.
The Mysteries of Fate
As the battle unfolds, Parker introduces an element of uncertainty and mystery surrounding the fate of the Tall Dakoon. Despite his skill and valor in combat, it remains unclear whether he emerges victorious or succumbs to his enemies. The line "Yet if he rose, or if he fell, no man hath proof to show" underscores the enigmatic nature of the Dakoon's destiny, leaving readers to ponder the ultimate outcome of the battle.
Themes of Love and Fate
Embedded within the narrative of war and valor, Parker explores deeper themes of love, fate, and the human condition. The lines "when a man, because of love, hath wrecked and burned his ships" and "when a man for hate of love hath curses on his lips" suggest the power of love and its ability to shape the course of human lives. The reference to burning ships symbolizes the irreversible consequences of love and the choices it compels individuals to make.
Embrace of Fate
In the final stanza, Parker reflects on the inevitability of fate and the acceptance of one's destiny. Whether one is a peasant or a mighty Dakoon, the mist of fate descends upon all, bringing an end to earthly concerns and struggles. The image of the mist serves as a metaphor for the unknown and the passage from life to death, suggesting that in the face of fate, distinctions of rank or circumstance hold little significance.
"The Tall Dakoon" by Gilbert Parker is a stirring and enigmatic poem that transports readers to a world of heroism, mystery, and destiny. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem captures the drama of battle while exploring deeper themes of love, fate, and the human condition. Parker's narrative skill and lyrical prose create a sense of urgency and intensity, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the inevitability of fate. Ultimately, "The Tall Dakoon" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless allure of adventure and romance.
