The White Cockade

Ever since I was a little girl, I reveled in bygone days of knights and glorious deeds. This poetic volume therefore is, in many ways, a "kindred spirit". Beautifully nostalgic, it evokes the romanticism of a chivalric past, yet does not merely skirt the surface; both the imagination and the mind are stirred as the reader finds himself drawn to both the dreamy imagery and the moral fiber that they represent. As a young person in today's world, I have chosen a counter-cultural path that seeks Truth and Beauty apart from the artificial lights of modern society. The words expressed by Charles A. Coulombe are a refreshing departure from what we have been erroneously told to embrace. Much like the ideas that they espouse, the writing style is reminiscent of the "chivalric age" and, as such, allows the reader to more easily and fully immerse himself in that world which it represents. While I always love finding relatable content in a book, I also appreciated many elements of the poems that are not a part of my personal narrative, but remain, nonetheless, fully human. Mr. Coulombe, even at the age at which this book was written, led a fascinating life with background in the military, politics, and as a stand-up comedian (outlined in the biographical account at the end). As often happens when immersed in a story different from my own, I became, much to my delight, more connected to that world by way of the imagination. The story of his comrades at the academy, with whom he used to dine, for example, remained poignant despite the lack of commonality in the specifics due to its thematic scope. Likewise, although I am not a monarchist, I was fascinated by that viewpoint; after all, I love its historical significance and the previously-described chivalric value. All in all, a fascinating and enjoyable read that may inspire you to both think and dream!

...but this little book packed a whole lot of punch. Silver Rose's review below "may inspire you to both think and dream" explains much better than what I could. I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to think differently about the times we live in; as Silver Rose wrote below: "it evokes the romanticism of a chivalric past".
Do enjoy. You'll find yourself going back to read it over again.
I especially was hooked by "In the New Alexandria" and "For the White Rose".

In my few years of reading, I have not encountered a more profound collection of poems than those contained in “The White Cockade.” The poems within this book captivated my imagination and fulfilled the adventurous desires of my youth. They delved into the depths of my soul and gave me hope for a future culture greater than the one I received. I am sincerely grateful for the work that Mr. Coulombe has produced and most especially for the signature of such a magnanimous character as himself! God bless!

This collection of poems speaks especially to young "traditional Catholics" (how redundant that phrase should be!), and even more especially to men of that type. My favorites were "The March-Warden's Song", "Stabat Mater Dolorosa", and "Absalom" -- these three capture well the author's angst and lament. And his "Prayer of the Publican" gets an honorable mention, for being delightfully snarky. (The author is a master of the riposte.) The back's biographical section will also be of interest to fans. Coulombe is a man ill-matched for our age, and that this book proves. I could hear the frustrated cry of a younger Coulombe from "The Phantom Wood": "But where is my suit of imitation suede? Why am I dressed in old brocade?"

The book, while short, contains in it poetry that should be compulsory in every Catholic High school. Surely, every Catholic Jacobite will feel as much sorrow of heart and recommitment to the cause as I when he first reads "After the '45." "The Wild Hunt," tells us to repent, lest we suffer the same fate. "The March-Warden's Song" is well suited to be the first poem, while it may seem like the nobles whom we are obliged to obey have given up the cause, and have fallen into the same modern errors we defend against, we must hold the line till they, or their heirs, do send us help.

God save the King.

Wonderful. The poetry inspires even as it breaks your heart.

The White Cockade is a small collection of poems by one Charles A Coulombe, and range over many topics. I find that most of these poems reflect some aspect of Mr. Coulombe's long career as a writer, historian, and faithful. Some poems are about kings, others about wine and comrades, and others about historical events. Overall, this small collection is quite simple to read. I suspect that the intention for this runs deeper and so to truly appreciate this work of literature (in my opinion poetry is art) one must put themselves into the stories Mr. Coulombe writes. In summary, a good start for children to really grasp the beauty of poetry, that older folk might miss.

While I do admire the arts, poetry had never been my strong suit. With other areas such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, crafting, music, etc; there is always some form of imitation or basic guidelines that I'm able to follow and produce something. With poetry and literature in general, the only form I know is language, but that only goes so far. I may know quotes, phrases, statements, etc. that may convey a feeling, passion, or emotion, but to create something of that nature is beyond me. In short, kudos to poets and writers for having that ability to create with words lands and peoples and ideas not widely known.

"The White Cockade" by Charles Coulombe is, in this reviewer's humble opinion, one of the finest works of modern Catholic poetry on the market. The book may be small, but like other readers have said, don't be fooled by its size! Within these pages you will find the eternal sentiments of faith and romance, hope in defeat, and a longing for the Kingdom Without End (Luke 1, 33) all couched in fine verse and metre. Our world to-day is built on the ephemeral and deceptive philosophy of Materialism; Coulombe here offers a counter-cultural and counter-revolutionary creed to those adventurous souls looking to set out upon the "straight and narrow way" (Matthew 7, 14) in search of the Good, the Beautiful, and the True. For example, take this passage from "The March-Warden's Song:" "Yet I still believe in the King and his might, / One day he shall come to save us from night. / This land yet is his till he comes back again, / For him will I hold it, and battle his bane."

A must-read (especially Stabat Mater Dolorosa)