'The Ballad Of The Leather Medal' by Robert Service

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Only a Leather Medal, hanging there on the wall,
Dingy and frayed and faded, dusty and worn and old;
Yet of my humble treasures I value it most of all,
And I wouldn't part with that medal if you gave me its weight in gold.

Read the inscription: For Valour - presented to Millie MacGee.
Ah! how in mem'ry it takes me back to the "auld lang syne,"
When Millie and I were sweethearts, and fair as a flower was she -
Yet little I dreamt that her bosom held the heart of heroine.

Listen! I'll tell you about it... An orphan was Millie MacGee,
Living with Billie her brother, under the Yukon sky,
Sam, her pa, was cremated in the winter of nineteen-three,
As duly and truly related by the pen of an author guy.

A cute little kid was Billie, solemn and silken of hair,
The image of Jackie Coogan in the days before movies could speak.
Devoted to him was Millie, with more than a mother's care,
And happy were they together in their cabin on Bunker Creek.

'Twas only a mining village, where hearts are simple and true,
And Millie MacGee was schoolma'am, loved and admired by all;
Yet no one dreamed for a moment she'd do what she dared to do -
But wait and I'll try to tell you, as clear as I can recall...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas Eve in the school-house! A scene of glitter and glee;
The children eager and joyful; parents and neighbours too;
Right in the forefront, Millie, close to the Christmas Tree.
While Billie, her brother, recited "The Shooting of Dan McGrew."

I reckon you've heard the opus, a ballad of guts and gore;
Of a Yukon frail and a frozen trail and a fight in a dringing dive,
It's on a par, I figger, with "The Face on the Bar-Room Floor,"
And the boys who wrote them pieces ought to be skinned alive.

Picture that scene of gladness; the honest faces aglow;
The kiddies gaping and spellbound, as Billie strutted his stuff.
The stage with its starry candles, and there in the foremost row,
Millie, bright as a fairy, in radient flounce and fluff.

More like an angel I thought her; all she needed was wings,
And I sought for a smile seraphic, but her eyes were only for Bill;
So there was I longing and loving, and dreaming the craziest things,
And Billie shouting and spouting, and everyone rapt and still.

Proud as a prince was Billie, bang in the footlights' glare,
And quaking for him was Millie, as she followed every word;
Then just as he reached the climax, ranting and sawing the air -
Ugh! How it makes me shudder! The horrible thing occurred...

'Twas the day when frocks were frilly, and skirts were scraping the ground,
And the snowy flounces of Millie like sea foam round her swept;
Humbly adoring I watched her - when oh, my heart gave a bound!
Hoary and scarred and hideous, out from the tree...it...crept.

A whiskered, beady-eyes monster, grisly and grim of hue;
Savage and slinking and silent, born of the dark and dirt;
Dazed by the glare and the glitter, it wavered a moment or two -
Then like a sinister shadow, it vanished... 'neath Millie's skirt.

I stared. had my eyes deceived me? I shivered. I held my breath.
Surly I must have dreamed it. I quivered. I made to rise...
Then - my God! it was real. Millie grew pale as death;
And oh, such a look of terror woke in her lovely eyes.

Did her scream ring out? Ah no, sir. It froze at her very lips.
Clenching her teeth she checked it, and I saw her slim hands lock,
Grasping and gripping tensely, with desperate finger tips,
Something that writhed and wriggled under her dainty frock.

Quick I'd have dashed to her rescue, but fiercely she signalled: "No!"
Her eyes were dark with anguish, but her lips were set and grim;
Then I knew she was thinking of Billie - the kiddy must have his show,
Reap to the full his glory, nothing mattered but him.

So spiked to my chair with horror, there I shuddered and saw
Her fingrs frenziedly clutching and squeezing with all their might
Something that squirmed and struggled, a deamon of tooth and claw,
Fighting with fear and fury, under her garment white.

Oh could I only aid her! But the wide room lay between,
And again her eyes besought me: "Steady!" they seamed to say.
"Stay where you are, Bob Simmons; don't let us have a scene,
Billie will soon be finished. Only a moment...stay!"

A moment! Ah yes, I got her. I knew how night after night
She'd learned him each line of that ballad with patience and pride and glee;
With gesture and tone dramatic, she'd taught him how to recite...
And now at the last to fail him - no, it must never be.

A moment! It seemed like ages. Why was Billie so slow?
He stammered. Twice he repeated: "The Lady that's known as Lou -"
The kiddy was stuck and she knew it. Her face was frantic with woe.
Could she but come to his rescue? Could she remember the cue?

I saw her whispering wildly as she leaned to the frightened boy;
But Billie stared like a dummy, and I stifled an anxious curse.
Louder, louder she prompted; then his face illumined with joy,
And panting, flushed and exultant, he finished the final verse.

So the youngster would up like a whirlwind, while cheer resounded on cheer;
His piece was the hit of the evening. "Bravo!" I heard them say.
But there in the heart of the racket was one who could not hear -
The loving sister who'd coached him; for Millie had fainted away.

I rushed to her side and grabbed her; then others saw her distress,
And all were eager to aid me, as I pillowed that golden head,
But her arms were tense and rigid, and clutched in the folds of her dress,
Unlocking her hands they found it . . . A RAT . . . and the brute was dead.

In silence she'd crushed its life out, rather than scare the crowd,
And queer little Billie's triumph . . . Hey! Mother, what about tea?
I've just been telling a story that makes me so mighty proud...
Stranger, let me present you - my wife, that was Millie MacGee.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Ballad Of The Leather Medal: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry

Robert Service, the famous Canadian writer, is best known for his narrative poems that depict life in the wild and the adventures of people who brave the harsh conditions of the northern frontier. The Ballad of the Leather Medal is one of his most famous works, and it exemplifies his style of storytelling with vivid descriptions, lively characters, and an emotional narrative that captures the readers' attention from start to finish.

What is the Ballad of the Leather Medal?

The Ballad of the Leather Medal tells the story of a young man who leaves his home to join the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, a legendary force of law enforcement officers in Canada. The protagonist, whose name is not revealed, is driven by a desire to prove his worth and to make a name for himself. He is eager to face the challenges of the frontier and to demonstrate his courage, determination, and loyalty to his country.

The poem is structured as a ballad, a traditional form of poetry that originated in medieval Europe and was often used to tell stories of love, war, and adventure. A ballad typically consists of stanzas of four lines, with the second and fourth lines rhyming. The Ballad of the Leather Medal has 39 stanzas, each of which tells a small part of the story. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward language, with no complicated metaphors or obscure references, which makes it accessible to a wide audience.

What is the message of the poem?

The Ballad of the Leather Medal has several themes that are intertwined throughout the story. One of the main themes is the idea of heroism and self-sacrifice. The protagonist is willing to risk his life to protect his fellow citizens and to uphold the law, even in the face of overwhelming danger. He is motivated by a sense of duty and honor, and he is willing to endure hardships and suffering to fulfill his mission.

Another theme is the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The protagonist faces many challenges and setbacks along the way, including harsh weather, dangerous wildlife, and hostile enemies. However, he refuses to give up or to be deterred by these obstacles. Instead, he finds the strength to keep going, even when all seems lost.

Finally, the poem explores the idea of the human cost of war and conflict. The protagonist witnesses firsthand the horrors of violence and death, and he is haunted by the memories of those he has lost. He realizes that there is a heavy price to pay for the freedom and safety that he is fighting for, and he wonders whether it is worth it.

What are the literary techniques used in the poem?

The Ballad of the Leather Medal is a masterpiece of narrative poetry, and it uses various literary techniques to engage the reader's imagination and emotions. Some of these techniques include:

• Imagery: Service uses vivid descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the wildlife to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, he writes: "The dawn-wind blew, the pawnees grew / To mighty herds a-roaming" (stanza 2), which conjures up an image of vast grasslands and wild horses.

• Personification: The poem often personifies nature and animals, as if they were characters in the story. For example, the "blizzard shrieked" (stanza 6), the "wolves howled" (stanza 7), and the "night was black with swarming flies" (stanza 26).

• Repetition: Service uses repetition of certain phrases and images to create a sense of rhythm and continuity. For example, he repeats the phrase "leather medal" throughout the poem, which serves as a symbol of the protagonist's courage and sacrifice.

• Rhyme and meter: The poem follows a strict rhyme and meter scheme, which gives it a musical quality and makes it easy to remember. The rhyming couplets also create a sense of closure and completeness at the end of each stanza.

What is the significance of the title?

The title of the poem, The Ballad of the Leather Medal, refers to a military decoration that was awarded to members of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police for acts of bravery and valor. The medal was made of leather, hence its name, and it was a symbol of the sacrifices and hardships that the officers endured in service of their country.

The leather medal serves as a central motif in the poem, representing the protagonist's determination to prove his worth and to earn the respect of his peers. He sees it as a badge of honor, a tangible reminder of his achievements and his sacrifices. However, as the poem progresses, he begins to question the value of this symbol, and he wonders whether it is worth the price he has paid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Ballad of the Leather Medal is a powerful and moving narrative poem that tells the story of a young man's journey of self-discovery and sacrifice. Through its vivid imagery, lively characters, and emotional narrative, the poem captures the essence of life on the northern frontier and the challenges that people faced in protecting their communities and upholding the law. It is a masterpiece of storytelling that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the importance of heroism, perseverance, and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Ballad Of The Leather Medal: A Tale of Heroism and Sacrifice

Robert Service's The Ballad Of The Leather Medal is a classic poem that tells the story of a brave soldier who sacrifices his life to save his comrades during a battle. The poem is a powerful tribute to the courage and selflessness of those who serve in the military, and it has become a beloved piece of literature for generations of readers.

The poem begins with a description of the soldier, who is named Private McPherson. He is a young man who has just joined the army, and he is eager to prove himself in battle. He is described as being "tall and straight and strong," with a "cheery smile" and a "heart of gold." He is the kind of person who is always willing to help others, and he quickly becomes a favorite among his fellow soldiers.

The poem then moves on to describe the battle that takes place. The soldiers are fighting against a fierce enemy, and they are outnumbered and outgunned. They are struggling to hold their ground, and it seems like they are going to be overrun at any moment. But then Private McPherson steps forward and takes charge.

He rallies his fellow soldiers and leads them in a charge against the enemy. He is fearless and determined, and he inspires his comrades to fight with all their might. They manage to push back the enemy and gain the upper hand in the battle.

But then disaster strikes. Private McPherson is hit by a bullet and falls to the ground. His comrades rush to his side, but it is clear that he is badly wounded. He knows that he is going to die, but he is determined to do one last thing before he goes.

He takes off his leather medal, which he had received for bravery in a previous battle, and he gives it to his commanding officer. He tells the officer to give the medal to the soldier who has shown the most courage in the battle. He knows that he is not going to survive, but he wants to make sure that his sacrifice is not in vain.

The poem ends with a tribute to Private McPherson and all the soldiers who have given their lives in service to their country. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that are made by those who serve in the military, and it is a tribute to the bravery and selflessness of these men and women.

The Ballad Of The Leather Medal is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve in the military, and it is a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have given their lives in service to their country.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, but it is filled with emotion and passion. The descriptions of the battle are vivid and intense, and the reader can feel the fear and desperation of the soldiers as they fight for their lives. The character of Private McPherson is also well-drawn, and the reader can feel his bravery and determination as he leads his comrades into battle.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way that it portrays the soldiers as ordinary people who are called upon to do extraordinary things. Private McPherson is not a superhero or a larger-than-life figure; he is just a young man who wants to do his duty and serve his country. But in the heat of battle, he becomes a hero, inspiring his comrades and sacrificing his life for the greater good.

The poem also highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of those who serve in the military. Private McPherson's leather medal is a symbol of his bravery and sacrifice, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that are made by all soldiers who serve their country. The poem is a call to action, urging readers to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to their country.

In conclusion, The Ballad Of The Leather Medal is a classic poem that tells a powerful story of heroism and sacrifice. It is a tribute to the courage and selflessness of those who serve in the military, and it is a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have given their lives in service to their country. The poem is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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