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Sea Fever


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 gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray 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.

Notes

From SALT-WATER POEMS AND BALLADS, by John Masefield, published by the Maxmillan Co., NY, © 1913, p. 55.

Masefield's use of the word "trick" indicates a period of duty on a specific task such as handling the wheel or lookout.

Jim Saville

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Comments

1 - 14 of 14

  • July 12
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    From guest Robert Lee (contact)
    The best-ever poem of the sea and the feel of it all. This one has stayed witrh me since first being introduced to it in high scholl in the 60s. Simple and eloquent, it puts you "there."


  • rufina caraid Moderators member
    December 29, 2007

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    I've enjoyed reading this poem many times before but due to the sad loss of a dear friend recently I'm back here as this was one of his favorite poems. He was 93 and was still able to recide so many classical poems line by line and this was one of them.
    Masefield rebells agsint the Victorian romantic adventures, while still able to focus on his love for the sea, a theme used in so many of his poems.
    For you Calder *heart*


  • September 13, 2007
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    Sea Fever

    From guest MJ Hyams (contact)
    This poem magically transitions me to "the lonely sea and sky". It was required reading in high school... back in the day, but somehow still captures my call to the sea.


  • August 4, 2007
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    Poem - I must go down to the sea

    From guest Kathleen Czewski (contact)
    Is this poem in the public domain? I would really like to get a poster or print with this poem. Is anyone selling this?


  • June 13, 2007
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    From guest pepps (contact)
    i had to memorize this wholeee poem in one night and i stayed um untill 2 in the morning...............blahhh :(((


  • May 16, 2007
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    must down/ must go down

    From guest icelandscg (contact)
    I've seen this line written two different ways: "I must down to the sea again" or "I must go down to the sea again" I have to say I prefer the former, and thought that was the way it was written.

  • Groggy
    August 16, 2006
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    Stirring stuff

    My overwhelming feeling whenever I read this poem is fantastic rhythm that just carries you through breathlessly to the end.

  • the blue butterfly
    May 9, 2006
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    great

    this is one of my favourite poems

  • ea
    April 4, 2006
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    aha

    thanks for that, Charley Noble. Too bad the "reply" option seems not to work here. I'm glad I noticed your answer.


  • Charley Noble Moderators member
    April 3, 2006
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    Trick? No Typo!

    "Trick" is old sailor slang for doing some task for a period of time such as steering the ship or keeping a sharp look-out. A "long trick" might extend to the entire four-hour watch.

    Cheerily,
    Charley Noble

  • xtryingx
    March 30, 2006
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    I read this for the first time in my freshman english class in high school and mmediately loved it. It's a classic and has stuck in my mind ever since. I love:
    "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;"
    This is one of my favorite poems.

  • ea
    March 30, 2006
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    trick?

    Is long "trick" right on this in the 12th line?


  • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
    March 30, 2006
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    I have always liked this poem since I first came across it almost half a century back. It still has the power to move me with its tight imagery and amazing rhythm. It is one of my favourites for reciting out loud.
    Jim S

  • Master Domtos rose
    March 23, 2006
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    This is my favourite poem, Australian poets notwithstanding. I studied this poem, too, in middle primary, and the verses have just stuck with me through all that time (there is only one other poem I can claim that of - Paterson's "The Man from Snowy River" ... how I ever managed to learn and retain all those verses is still beyond me - but I can recite them word perfectly to this day!).

  • Eusebius
    March 8, 2006
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    Ineffably Beautiful

    A real classic, it transends time and space.

  • Woodworm
    April 15, 2005
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    John Ireland did a stunning musical setting of this. It's a wonderful poem. Some poems you can dance, some you can smell, but this is both. Though I always thought 'may not be denied' was a bit of a lame rhyme.

  • AceofMoons
    April 5, 2004
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    I've never read any of Masefield's poems until now. I have to agree with you, it does have a little bit of a beat to it =). What I sort of understand from it, is escaping. Escaping society, going back to the calm oceans, beutiful dawns, getting rid of his worries. I guess thats why I like it so much, I can imagine me doing the same, or I should say I would love to be able to =).


  • rufina caraid Moderators member
    June 13, 2003
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    The first two lines of this are so popular - howeverI don't remember reading the whole poem before today. It tells me that if that all asked for is supplied then this man will be truly happy.
    Light and easy to read
    ~Von~

  • Ava Noire
    June 13, 2003
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    I read this poem ages ago -back in middle school. I had to read it and attempt to write my verison of it.

    This is always a treat to read, mainly for its upbeat lil tune.

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