Poem Analysis - The Last Parade

Banjo Paterson's "The Last Parade" is a poignant elegy for the unsung heroes of war, specifically the horses that served alongside Australian soldiers. The poem evokes a sense of weariness and neglect, highlighting the stark contrast between the sacrifices these animals made and the indifference they face in their twilight years. It's a somber reflection on gratitude and the often-overlooked cost of conflict, tinged with a quiet desperation. The mood shifts from initial description to a heartfelt plea, and finally to a resigned acceptance of their fate.

A Forgotten Sacrifice

One of the central themes of "The Last Parade" is the neglect of those who have served. The poem vividly depicts the horses' physical state: "Weary they were and battered, / Shoeless, and knocked about." This imagery establishes the harsh conditions they endured during their service. Their "hungry eyes" further emphasize their current state of deprivation. The speaker, representing the horses, directly asks, "Have we not done our share?" This question underscores the injustice of their abandonment after years of loyal service. The poem poignantly shows that those that are utilized for a specific purpose are often tossed aside when that purpose no longer exists.

The Bitter Cost of War

The poem unflinchingly portrays the hardships and brutality of war, experienced through the horses' perspective. Lines like "Starving and tired and thirsty / We limped on the blazing plain" and "We froze on the windswept kopjes" paint a stark picture of the physical suffering they endured. The mention of "rifles rattled" and "warm blood run down" highlights the danger and violence they faced alongside their riders. The phrase "Crushed to the earth with weight" not only refers to the physical burden they carried but also symbolizes the emotional weight of war and its impact on these sentient beings. This underscores the often-unseen suffering behind the glorified image of battle, highlighting the animals' contribution in a way that personalizes it.

The Yearning for Home

A powerful theme in the poem is the longing for a peaceful return to their homeland. The horses' plea for "Home to the Hunter River, / To the flats where the lucerne grows; / Home where the Murrumbidgee / Runs white with the melted snows" is a poignant expression of their desire for rest and comfort in familiar surroundings. These vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape create a stark contrast with the harsh battlefields they have known. The request is presented as "a small thing, surely!" emphasizing the simplicity of their needs and the apparent ease with which their request could be granted, adding to the tragedy of its denial.

Symbolic Imagery: Beyond the Battlefield

The poem employs several potent symbols. The "last parade" itself symbolizes the end of their usefulness and the beginning of their abandonment. The "grim commander" represents the unsympathetic authority figure who embodies the nation's ingratitude. The "native land" is not just a geographical location but a symbol of peace, security, and belonging. The "lucerne" and "melted snows" represent nourishment and renewal, highlighting their basic needs and desires. A possible interpretation of the poem lies in the fact that the horses may represent the soldiers themselves who served, fought hard and gave everything, only to be forgotten and set aside once their purpose ended.

Final Reflections: A Legacy of Indifference

"The Last Parade" is a powerful lament for the forgotten heroes of war, highlighting the sacrifices of the horses and the lack of gratitude they receive. The poem's effectiveness lies in its simple language, vivid imagery, and heartfelt plea for compassion. Paterson's poem serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked costs of conflict and the importance of honoring those who have served, even when their usefulness has seemingly ended. The poem forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth of how societies often treat those who have given their all, leaving a lingering sense of injustice and regret.