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.
©2013 mamasemptynest.wordpress.com
Mama of this empty nest, I’m content to live a quiet, country life with my husband of 40+ years and to view gorgeous sunsets off our own back yard deck. Mama to three adults and Nana to adorable grandchildren, my empty nest fills up again with noise and laughter when they all return 'home'.
A former English teacher, reporter/editor, education director for a non-profit organization, and stay at home mom, I retired after a season of substitute teaching at a private academy. Now I enjoy time spent with my grandchildren and family and writing words that seem to pour out of my soul or wandering around the countryside with my camera.
Foremost, my faith sustains me as I meander through the empty nest stage of life. My favorite scripture is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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that is one of my most favorite poems of all time. every time i go to the ocean i remember that poem. every time i see a photo of the ocean, i think of that poem with such longing!!! what a great photo.
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I learned that poem in elementary school I think. I too am reminded of it every time I see an ocean view. I took this photo many years ago when we lived in the Pacific Northwest. It’s from one of our many visits to the Oregon coast. Glad you liked it!
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One of my all-time favorite poems, and I love the picture that goes with it. I was just at the beach today, as a matter of fact.
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Lucky girl! I’d love to be at the beach right about now.
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What a beautiful setting! When I was a teenager I lived two blocks from the ocean in San Diego. I loved hanging out there, and the sun, the water and salty air!
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We lived in the Pacific Northwest for a few years and loved our trips to the coast. This is one of the photos I took way back then; I’ve always thought it was a pretty good shot. Of course, the coastline there offers gorgeous settings. Glad you liked it!
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It’s been a long time since I remembered that poem. Thank you for bringing it up again.
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As soon as I saw the weekly photo challenge subject, that poem came to my mind! Glad you remembered it too. I wonder if the kids growing up now days will even remember poetry? Or will they just remember rap songs? 😦
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