The Ballad of the 'Calliope'
The Ballad of the 'Calliope' by Andrew Barton Paterson is a poem that tells the story of a steamboat named Calliope and its journey down the Mississippi River. The poem explores themes of adventure, freedom, and the beauty of nature. It is a classic example of early American literature and has been widely studied and admired for its lyrical language and vivid imagery.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Biographical · 1,032 words
First lines
By the far Samoan shore, Where the league-long rollers pour All the wash of the Pacific on the coral-guarded bay, Riding lightly at their ease, In the calm of tropic seas, The three great nations' warships at their anchors proudly lay.
Riding lightly, head to wind, With the coral reefs behind, Three Germans and three Yankee ships were mirrored in the blue; And on one ship unfurled Was the flag that rules the world -- For on the old 'Calliope' the flag of England flew.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the 'Calliope' is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Biographical
- Length: 1,032 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — This book is a collection of poems penned by Andrew Barton Paterson, thus classifying it under the Poetry genre.
- Historical — Given Paterson's propensity for drawing on historical events and themes, the genre of Historical fiction may also be applicable.
- Biographical — Paterson's writing, particularly in this collection, often reflects his own experiences and worldviews, lending a Biographical aspect to the work.
Tags
poetry · ballad · nature · travel · romance · adventure · sea · ocean · boat · ship · steamship · calliope