Sea-Fever
by John Masefield
The speaker feels an irresistible longing to return to the sea. He asks for a ship, wind, waves, seabirds and a life of wandering, presenting the sea as a powerful call to adventure, freedom and companionship.
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- Longing: The speaker repeatedly says he must return to the sea.
- Nature: Wind, waves, mist, dawn, clouds, spray, foam and seabirds create the sea-world.
- Adventure: The sea represents a free, wandering and adventurous life.
- Companionship: The speaker wants a cheerful fellow-rover and a good story.
- Rest: After the long journey he wants quiet sleep and a sweet dream.
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The call of the sea
The speaker begins with a strong declaration that he must go down to the sea again. He asks only for a tall ship and a star to guide it. The movement of the wheel, the wind, the sail, mist and dawn create a vivid maritime atmosphere.
The wild call and the sea's sights
The running tide calls to the speaker with a wild and clear voice that cannot be denied. He wants windy weather, flying white clouds, spray, foam and crying sea-gulls. The sea is presented as both powerful and inviting.
A wandering life
The final stanza compares the speaker's desired life to that of a wandering gypsy. He wants to follow the ways of the gull and whale, hear a merry yarn from a fellow sailor and finally rest peacefully after the long journey.