"Sea Fever" by John Masefield (poetry reading)

John Masefield was Poet Laureate from 1930 until his death in 1967. He wrote this poem when he was only 22.

I've know this poem by heart for many years, but there's a problem I didn't know about with the word "go". This version is from SALT-WATER POEMS AND BALLADS, by John Masefield, pub. Maxmillan Co., NY, © 1913 and I found it here
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/14195-John-Masefield-Sea-Fever

Since then I've seen a scan of "Salt Water Ballads" by Masefield pub. 1908 and it went "I must down to the seas again", omitting the "go". I read that Masefield himself included the word "go" in later versions.

I don't have a strong preference but I'd choose "go" because I wouldn't use "down" as a verb and I don't think Masefield would either.

A trick is a watch, i.e. time spent on duty. Whetted means sharpened.

He bears an unfortunate resemblance to Adolf Hitler, and public images of him have attracted protests (from bloody fools).

I borrowed the picture from a site that sells songs of the sea. I'm sure they won't mind http://www.goldenhindmusic.com/products/ghm-108.html

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Sea
• Fever
• John
• Masefield
• poem

[brychar66]

Ah I always thought 'the long trick' was life. Of course, it is. Very salty....as a kid I loved his Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir..still do come to that

[SpokenVerse]

I always thought that "when the long trick's over" meant after death, however that's not the literal meaning and he was only 22. I posted "Cargoes" as couple of weeks ago, which starts "Quinquireme of Nineveh...".

[NoDrunkDrivers]

A powm for my daddy's funeral, just two days ago. Rest now, Dad. You were the best dad by the sea ever.

[jeana1001]

Wonderful poem; thank you for posting.

[firestartertwistedfi]

Apparently Masefield hated the sea :)

[saintmirrenmalky]

A true masterpiece, brought wonderfully to life. I thought of it today when I was in Stonehaven and saw the harbour wall take a hammering from the North Sea.

[TheCroatiansea]

I can't believe I found this,my favorite poem

[SpokenVerse]

Masefield himself says "go". Listen to the poetryanimations version which has the poet's own voice.

[pkohler01yt]

love it!

[kanij87]

Beautiful poem. I prefer the simple 'down' thogh.

[SuddenSparkles]

Thank you for this poem. I was unfamiliar with the author... now I will have to dig around and find out more about what drives his passion for poetry.