Oh Captain! My Captain! by Kim Rathbone

The poem 'Oh Captain! My Captain!' by Kim Rathbone is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and his immense impact on the nation. Written in a Shakespearian style, the poem explores the themes of loss, grief, and admiration for the late president.

The poem begins with a sense of sadness, as the speaker acknowledges the passing of the great leader. The lines 'Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills / For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths' evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The speaker's plea to 'rise up and hear the bells' serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's grief.

The second stanza speaks of the speaker's admiration for Lincoln's leadership, stating that his accomplishments were crucial in navigating the country through difficult times. The lines 'The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting / The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won' highlight the nation's gratitude and appreciation for Lincoln's guidance.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most moving, as the speaker implores the captain of the ship of state to 'sail the ship no more.' This line serves as a powerful tribute to Lincoln's legacy, acknowledging that his passing has left a void in American history. The poem concludes with the lines 'O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,' which serve as a fitting eulogy to the fallen leader.

Throughout the poem, Rathbone employs a rhyme scheme of ABAB and a Shakespearian style, creating a sense of depth and emotion that pays homage to Lincoln's legacy. The poem serves as a testament to the impact of President Lincoln on the nation and is often seen as a metaphor for the United States of America itself.

Oh captain my captain by kim rathbone