Poem: Sea Fever by John Masefield

I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Video on the poem: Sea Fever

From our understanding, this poem is about the poet expressing about how much he loves the sea and the adventures of the sea. He desperately wants to go to the lonely sea. Therefore, he urges to have a well-built ship to sail through the sea. Along his journey, he enjoys looking at the stars and the early mist that rises from the sea along with grey dawn breaking. He wishes to capture the sight when strong winds carrying the clouds and listen to the cries of sea creatures. Even though there are many dangers in the sea, his love for the sea makes him want to go to the sea again and again. Living life as a sailor makes him most happy.

fin.