Sea Fever

Portrait of John Masefield
John Masefield 1878–1967

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.

Keep reading

Discover more of John Masefield’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion 1 comment

Add your reading ↓
Readers
1
Longest reading
marie t bisagni nolan25 words
  1. marie t bisagni nolan United States

    During my childhood, my Mom, Carmel Gloria, often recited this poem with great love, feeling and respect.
    And so this memory brings joyful tears/profound joy.

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.