Analyze the poem by Sir John Squire,"There was an Indian."

The poem by Sir John Squire, a sonnet, which begins with
the opening line "There was an Indian" is about a Native American coming upon the
landing of Christopher Columbus and his party “along a sunlit beach.” The land and its
people are about to undergo dramatic change in the years ahead as Europeans descend on
the continent and transform the culture and society of the Native
Americans.

This Indian of the poem has led a
rather peaceful life in his element. He has “known no change” and is probably happy to
carry on so, steeped in his traditions. He is content in his station in life and is not
really seeking variation, although change is coming whether he likes it or
not.

The Indian is prospering quite nicely in
his pristine, natural environment, and is enjoying his walk along the quiet bay.
However, he is rattled by the appearance of huge ships, in comparison to the canoes he
is used to using. He is also confronted by the “fluttering coloured signs and clambering
crews.” This represents an upset to his quiet and ordered way of life and he doesn’t
know what to make of this commotion, and to him, this intrusion on his
homeland.

Therefore, the Indian is in fear. It
is the fear of the unknown. It is a fear that things may change for the worse for him
and that what is now happening is beyond his control. This force before him ready to
land is something that he is uncertain of how to deal with. This leads to him hiding
behind a stone as he contemplates what is happening. He sees but does not comprehend the
significance of this event. He just knows that his existence may be challenged by the
seamen who are ready to land and stake their claim on this shore.

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