The Copperhead Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: AABBCCDD EEFFGGHH IIJJKKLL

There is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleepsA
Where the waters are stagnant the white vapor creepsA
Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the airB
And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayerB
There is peace in the swamp though the quiet is deathC
Though the mist is miasma the upas tree's breathC
Though no echo awakes to the cooing of dovesD
There is peace yes the peace that the Copperhead lovesD
-
Go seek him he coils in the ooze and the dripE
Like a thong idly flung from the slave driver's whipE
But beware the false footstep the stumble that bringsF
A deadlier lash than the overseer swingsF
Never arrow so true never bullet so dreadG
As the straight steady stroke of that hammer shaped headG
Whether slave or proud planter who braves that dull crestH
Woe to him who shall trouble the Copperhead's restH
-
Then why waste your labors brave hearts and strong menI
In tracking a trail to the Copperhead's denI
Lay your axe to the cypress hew open the shadeJ
To the free sky and sunshine Jehovah has madeJ
Let the breeze of the North sweep the vapors awayK
Till the stagnant lake ripples the freed waters playK
And then to your heel can you righteously doomL
The Copperhead born of its shadow and gloomL

Bret Harte



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