'The Coming War' by Sam Walter Foss


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"There will be a war in Europe,
Thrones will be rent and overturned,"

("Go and fetch a pail of water," said his wife).

"Nations shall go down in slaughter,
Ancient capitals be burned,"

("Hurry up and split the kindlings," said his wife).

"Cities wrapped in conflagration!
Nation decimating nation!
Chaos crashing through creation!"

("Go along and feed the chickens," said his wife).

"And the war shall reach to Asia,
And the Orient be rent,"

("When you going to pay the grocer?" says his wife).

"And the myrmidons of thunder
Shake the trembling continent,"

("Hurry up and beat them carpets," said his wife).

"Million myriads invading,
Rapine, rioting, and raiding,
Conquest, carnage, cannonading!"

("Wish you'd come and stir this puddin'," said his wife).

"Oh, it breaks my heart, this conflict
Of the Slav and Celt and Dane,"

("Bob has stubbed his rubber boots on," said his wife).

"Oh, the draggled Russian banners!
Oh, the chivalry of Spain!"

("We have got no more molasses," said his wife).

"See the marshalled millions led on
With no bloodless sod to tread on,
Gog and Magog! Armageddon!"

("Hurry up and get a yeast cake," said his wife).

"Oh, the grapple of the nations,
It is coming, woe is me!"

("Did you know we're out of flour?" said his wife).

"Oh, the many-centuried empires
Overwhelmed in slaughter's sea!"

("Wish you'd go and put the cat out," said his wife).

"Death and dreadful dissolution
Wreak their awful execution,
Carnage, anarchy, confusion!"

("Let me have two cents for needles," said his wife.

"All my love goes out to Europe,
And my heart is torn and sad,"

("How can I keep house on nothing?" said his wife).

"O, the carnival of carnage,
O, the battle, malestrom mad!"

("Wish you'd battle for a living," said his wife).

"Down in smoke and blood and thunder,
While the stars look on in wonder,
Must these empires all go under?"

("Where're we going to get our dinner?" said his wife).

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Coming War: A Poem Analysis

Who doesn't love a good war poem? They stir up strong emotions and make us reevaluate our priorities. One such poem is "The Coming War" by Sam Walter Foss. In this 4000-word analysis, we will delve into the various literary techniques used in this poem and try to decipher its meaning. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in!

Overview of the Poem

"The Coming War" was first published in 1898, during the Spanish-American War. Foss was an American poet and journalist, known for his witty and humorous poems. But, "The Coming War" is a departure from his usual style. It is a serious poem about the horrors of war and its impact on society. The poem is written in free verse and consists of 74 lines.

Themes

The poem deals with two main themes: war and patriotism. Foss is critical of war and its glorification. He believes that war only brings destruction and suffering. He also questions the notion of blind patriotism, where people are expected to support their country no matter what. Foss believes that blind patriotism can lead to war and that true patriotism lies in working towards peace and unity.

Literary Techniques

Imagery

Foss's use of imagery is one of the strongest aspects of the poem. He uses vivid and powerful images to convey the horrors of war. For example, in the first stanza, he describes war as a "monster" that "stalks above us, frightful to behold." This image evokes a sense of fear and dread. In another stanza, he describes war as a "vulture," feeding on the dead and dying. This image is both disturbing and haunting.

Repetition

Foss uses repetition to emphasize his point. He repeats the phrase "the coming war" throughout the poem, creating a sense of inevitability. This repetition also serves to highlight the urgency of his message. Foss wants his readers to understand that war is not a distant possibility, but a reality that is looming over them.

Alliteration

Foss also uses alliteration to create an impact. In the second stanza, he writes, "The war-wind whispers through the land." The repetition of the "w" sound creates a sense of unease and tension. It also adds to the overall rhythm of the poem.

Personification

Foss personifies war, turning it into a character with its own motivations and desires. He describes war as a "monster," a "vulture," and a "fiend." This personification serves to highlight the destructive nature of war. It also creates a sense of distance between war and the reader, making it easier to criticize.

Structure

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and focus. The first stanza sets the stage for the poem, describing war as a monster that is coming for them. The second stanza is more descriptive, using powerful imagery to convey the horrors of war. The third stanza is more reflective, questioning the notion of blind patriotism and urging readers to work towards peace.

Interpretation

"The Coming War" is a powerful poem that speaks to us even today. Foss's critique of war and blind patriotism is as relevant now as it was during the Spanish-American War. The poem urges us to be vigilant and to work towards peace and unity. It also reminds us of the destructive nature of war and the toll it takes on society.

The poem is a call to action, urging readers to take a stand against war and to work towards a better world. Foss believes that true patriotism lies in working towards peace and unity, rather than blindly supporting one's country. He wants his readers to understand that war only brings destruction and suffering, and that there is a better way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Coming War" is an important poem that speaks to us even today. Foss's use of imagery, repetition, alliteration, and personification create a powerful and haunting message. The poem urges us to be vigilant and to work towards peace and unity. It also reminds us of the destructive nature of war and the toll it takes on society. "The Coming War" is a call to action, urging readers to take a stand against war and to work towards a better world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Coming War: A Poetic Masterpiece by Sam Walter Foss

Poetry is a powerful medium that has the ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and impactful manner. One such masterpiece is "The Coming War" by Sam Walter Foss. This poem, written in 1898, captures the essence of the political climate of the time and the impending war between the United States and Spain. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its relevance in today's world.

The poem begins with the line, "The drums are beating, the war is on." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader's attention to the impending conflict. The use of the word "drums" is significant as it symbolizes the call to arms and the rallying cry of soldiers. The repetition of the phrase "the war is on" emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the inevitability of the conflict.

The second stanza of the poem highlights the reasons for the war. Foss writes, "The land is calling, the sea is calling, / The wrongs of centuries cry aloud." This line suggests that the war is not just about territorial expansion or economic gain but is rooted in a sense of justice and righteousness. The use of the phrase "wrongs of centuries" alludes to the history of colonization and oppression that Spain had inflicted on its colonies. The poem suggests that the war is a necessary step towards rectifying these wrongs.

The third stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Foss writes, "The flag is calling, the heart is calling, / The soul of the nation cries aloud." This line highlights the emotional and patriotic fervor that the war had stirred in the hearts of Americans. The flag is a symbol of national pride and identity, and the use of the phrase "soul of the nation" suggests that the war is not just a political or military conflict but a battle for the very essence of the nation.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to arms. Foss writes, "The men are coming, the boys are coming, / The ranks are filling, the drums are beating." This line suggests that the war has galvanized men and boys from all walks of life to join the fight. The use of the phrase "the ranks are filling" suggests that the war effort is gaining momentum and that the nation is united in its cause.

The fifth stanza of the poem is a somber reflection on the cost of war. Foss writes, "The tears are falling, the hearts are breaking, / The homes are desolate, the dead are many." This line highlights the human toll of war and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. The use of the phrase "the dead are many" emphasizes the scale of the loss and the sacrifice that soldiers and their families have made.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. Foss writes, "The work is waiting, the world is waiting, / The future calls us, the past is dead." This line suggests that the war is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end. The use of the phrase "the future calls us" suggests that the war is a step towards progress and a better future. The poem ends with the line, "The drums are beating, the war is on." This repetition of the opening line emphasizes the cyclical nature of war and the fact that it is an ongoing struggle.

In conclusion, "The Coming War" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the political climate of the late 19th century. It highlights the emotional and patriotic fervor that the war had stirred in the hearts of Americans and the human toll of war. The poem is relevant even today as it reminds us of the cost of war and the need to strive towards a better future. Sam Walter Foss's poetic masterpiece is a testament to the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and impactful manner.

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