Dear Word Weavers, lately I've been entranced all over again by the words of that excellent weaver, 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
So begins his Sea Fever, a poem I’ve loved since I was a kid. Reading it, I identify strongly with the sentiments expressed. I suspect most people would, and that that’s a testament to the skill of the writing — the word pictures painted, the metre, the appeal to the senses, the evocation of freedom …
In truth I’ve rarely ever set foot on a sailing boat, and then only as a passenger.
I did spend a fair bit of time messing about on rowboats and motorboats in my youth, and always loved being on the water; however I don’t really have any great longing to take to the seas on a sailing expedition. I wouldn't know the first thing about how to manage the boat! Nevertheless, the poem calls so powerfully to my sense of adventure that I'm temporarily caught up in Masefield's own emotions. My dad used to read me that poem when I was little, and ever since then just the sight of a sailboat always stirs my soul.
Photo © Rosemary Nissen-Wade 2012
I'm also very stirred by Hilaire Belloc's The Winged Horse ('He had flames behind the eyes of him and wings upon his side, And I ride, and I ride!') That's not a literal possibility but a metaphorical scenario (about the excitement of discovering he was a poet). In any case, I would be far too scared ever to attempt riding a real horse! Yet this poem fills me with the same kind of thrill, as if I really could ride the skies like that, the same wild yearning to cast off my normal, day-to-day life and leap ...
I wonder what kind of adventure captures your imagination?
Optional prompt:
Whether it's a real possibility or a fantasy scenario, I invite you to tell us what adventure you dream of.
Guidelines:
Poetry or prose, old or new, on prompt or on any other subject you choose.
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Holiday Break (advance notice):
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