SEA FEVER

    

                                                                BY JOHN MASEFIELD

I must go 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 go 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 go 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.

AUTHOR PROFILE

 

John Edward Masefield (1878–1967)

John Edward Masefield (1878–1967) was an English poet and writer who was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death. Born in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Masefield's literary career was marked by versatility that spanned poetry, drama, and fiction. Though orphaned at an early age, Masefield cultivated a love for reading and storytelling that would inform his later works. He is perhaps best known for his poems 'Sea-Fever' and 'Cargoes,' which reflect his fascination with the sea—a theme prevalent throughout his oeuvre.

Before he became a poet laureate, Masefield wrote a number of novels. Among them, 'Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger (1910), a historical adventure novel aimed at a younger audience, exemplifies his adeptness at weaving intricate narratives and creating vivid settings. His literary style often combines a romantic zeal for nature and the sea with a keen observation of human nature, a reflection of both his early maritime experiences and his quintessentially British perspective. Masefield’s long narrative poems are ‘Dauber (1913), which concerns the eternal struggle of the visionary against ignorance and materialism, and ‘Reynard the Fox (1919), which deals with many aspects of rural life in England. He also wrote novels of adventure—‘Sard Harker (1924), ‘Odtaa (1926), ‘Basilissa (1940), and some works for children. His other works include the poetic dramas ‘The Tragedy of Nan (1990) and ‘The Tragedy of Pompey the Great (1910), as well as an autobiographical volume, ‘So Long to Learn (1952). Masefield's contributions to poetry and literature were recognized by the many honors he received, including the Order of Merit in 1935. His works continue to be appreciated for their lyricism and narrative strength. 

THEME OF THE POEM

The main theme of "Sea Fever" revolves around the speaker's deep longing and connection to the sea, embodying the spirit of adventure and the yearning for freedom.

ABOUT THE POEM

The poem ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield is a poem that passionately explores the poet's longing for the sea. John Masefield, a renowned writer with a strong affinity for maritime themes, vividly portrays the allure of the ocean and the adventurous life of a sailor. Through rich imagery and rhythmic language, Masefield conveys the deep connection between the human spirit and the vast, untamed expanse of the sea. The poem captures the essence of wanderlust and the irresistible call of the open waters, inviting readers to join in the yearning for freedom and exploration. In the first stanza of ‘Sea Fever,’ the speaker vividly describes his desire to return to the sea. He longs for the solitude of the ocean and the vastness of the sky. The poet paints a picture of a tall ship sailing under the guidance of the stars, with the wind singing through the sails and the white sails fluttering in the breeze. He evokes the imagery of a misty morning on the sea, with the dawn breaking over the horizon. This stanza captures the speaker's yearning for the beauty and tranquility of the maritime world. In the second stanza, the poet continues to express his longing for the sea with vivid imagery. He describes the call of the running tide as wild and clear, emphasizing its irresistible nature. The poet paints a picture of a windy day where white clouds race across the sky, accompanied by the spray and spume thrown up by the waves crashing against the ship. The term ‘flung spray’ refers to the water thrown into the air by the force of the waves, while ‘blown spume’ describes the foam created by the wind whipping across the surface of the sea. Through these images, the poet captures the dynamic experience of being at sea, with its sights, sounds, and sensations. In the last stanza of ‘Sea Fever,’ the sailor expresses his desire to return to the sea and embrace the adventurous lifestyle it offers. He refers to sea life as a ‘vagrant gypsy life,’ portraying it as free-spirited and transient. The poet describes the wind as sharp and cutting, like a sharpened knife, emphasizing its power and intensity. The term ‘yarn’ refers to entertaining stories shared among fellow sailors, highlighting the camaraderie and joy found at sea. Lastly, ‘long trick’ probably refers to a sailor's duty on board and his longing for restful sleep and pleasant dreams once the work is done. Through these vivid images, the poet captures the allure of the sea and the rich experiences it offers to those who embrace its call.

APPRECIATION OF THE POEM

Sea-Fever" is one of the most famous poems by John Masefield, an English poet and writer known for his vivid portrayal of the sea. It reflects his deep love and longing for the sea. The poem expresses a strong yearning to return to the sailor's life. The poem explores the theme of an unquenchable desire for adventure, freedom, and connection with nature, specifically the sea. He longs to return to the lonely sea, which is a symbol of freedom. He needs only an all-ship a star and a windy day where the sea is alive with motion. He desires companionship in the form of a lighthearted conversation with a fellow traveler who shares his sense of adventure.

Enjoying the gypsy life the speaker hopes for rest and peace, both physically and emotionally at the end of the journey. The poem's use of anaphora, with the repeated "I must go down," creates a sense of urgency and longing. The use of vivid imagery, such as "the wheel's kick" and "the wind's song," brings the nautical setting to life, engaging the reader’s senses. The alliteration found in phrases like "wild call" and "white sail" adds musicality, while personification gives the sea elements human characteristics, as the wind and sky are portrayed as active, living beings. These devices together evoke the physical sensations of being on a ship, transporting the reader into the sailor’s world.