'Anchor Song' by Rudyard Kipling


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Heh!Walk her round.Heave, ah heave her short again!
Over, snatch her over, there, and hold her on the pawl.
Loose all sail, and brace your yards back and full --
Ready jib to pay her off and heave short all!
Well, ah fare you well; we can stay no more with you, my love --
Down, set down your liquor and your girl from off your knee;
For the wind has come to say:
"You must take me while you may,
If you'd go to Mother Carey
(Walk her down to Mother Carey!),
Oh, we're bound to Mother Carey where she feeds her chicks at sea!"

Heh!Walk her round.Break, ah break it out o' that!
Break our starboard-bower out, apeak, awash, and clear.
Port -- port she casts, with the harbour-mud beneath her foot,
And that's the last o' bottom we shall see this year!
Well, ah fare you well, for we've got to take her out again --
Take her out in ballast, riding light and cargo-free.
And it's time to clear and quit
When the hawser grips the bitt,
So we'll pay you with the foresheet and a promise from the sea!

Heh!Tally on.Aft and walk away with her!
Handsome to the cathead, now; O tally on the fall!
Stop, seize and fish, and easy on the davit-guy.
Up, well up the fluke of her, and inboard haul!
Well, ah fare you well, for the Channel wind's took hold of us,
Choking down our voices as we snatch the gaskets free.
And it's blowing up for night,
And she's dropping Light on Light,
And she's snorting under bonnets for a breath of open sea,

Wheel, full and by; but she'll smell her road alone to-night.
Sick she is and harbour-sick -- O sick to clear the land!
Roll down to Brest with the old Red Ensign over us --
Carry on and thrash her out with all she'll stand!
Well, ah fare you well, and it's Ushant slams the door on us,
Whirling like a windmill through the dirty scud to lee:
Till the last, last flicker goes
From the tumbling water-rows,
And we're off to Mother Carey
(Walk her down to Mother Carey!),
Oh, we're bound for Mother Carey where she feeds her chicks at sea!


Editor 1 Interpretation

Anchor Song by Rudyard Kipling: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey across the seas and make you feel the thrill of adventure? Look no further than "Anchor Song" by Rudyard Kipling. This classic poem, first published in 1896, captures the essence of life on board a ship, as well as the emotional rollercoaster of leaving home and embarking on a new adventure.

The Poem

Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's take a look at the text itself. "Anchor Song" is a lyric poem, consisting of four stanzas, each composed of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, giving the poem a musical quality that is appropriate for a piece that celebrates the sea.

The boats of the haven are moored in the bay,

And we must cross the bar and go,

Where the water is singing all day,

And the winds are piping low.

The poem starts with a description of the boats in the haven, an image that immediately evokes a sense of calm and tranquility. However, this peaceful setting is soon contrasted with the need to "cross the bar and go", to leave the safety of the harbor and venture into the open sea, where the water sings and the winds blow.

We will go, we will go, till the stars come out,

Then anchor down in the bay;

Till the twilight turns to the dark of doubt,

And the stars are white as they.

In the second stanza, the speaker affirms their commitment to the journey, declaring that they will continue until nightfall, when they will anchor down in the bay. The reference to the "dark of doubt" suggests that this journey is not without its risks and uncertainties, but the speaker's resolve remains strong.

Ho, well for the sailor lad

That he sings in his thought as he stands to the wheel;

While the ship that bears him, be it galley or glad,

Goes reaching, reeling, or still.

The third stanza focuses on the sailor lad, who is described as singing in his thoughts while standing at the wheel. This image highlights the solitary nature of life at sea, but also suggests that there is a sense of joy and freedom in this lifestyle. The ship itself is portrayed as either "reaching" (moving with the wind), "reeling" (being tossed about by the waves), or "still" (resting on the water).

To me, to me, new friends must come,

Since I came to the port, and the old are gone,

Dear days of old, with the faces in the frame,

And the voice that I loved to hear!

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reflects on the people and places they have left behind. The image of "faces in the frame" suggests that these memories are enshrined in a photograph, while the reference to "the voice that I loved to hear" emphasizes the emotional connection the speaker has with their past. However, the poem ends on a note of optimism, as the speaker welcomes the prospect of new friends and experiences in the future.

Literary Analysis

Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's explore some of the deeper meanings and themes that it contains. One of the most obvious themes in "Anchor Song" is that of travel and exploration. The poem celebrates the thrill of setting out into the unknown, of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into new territory. This theme is particularly relevant to Kipling's own life, as he spent much of his youth traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures.

Another theme that is present in the poem is that of resilience and determination. The speaker's resolve to continue on the journey, even in the face of uncertainty and danger, reflects the qualities that are often associated with sailors and other seafarers. The image of the sailor lad singing at the wheel also highlights the sense of joy and freedom that can be found in even the most challenging circumstances.

The poem also contains a strong sense of nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the people and places they have left behind. This nostalgia is tempered by a sense of optimism, however, as the speaker looks forward to the new friends and experiences that are waiting for them in the future. This reflects Kipling's own belief in the importance of embracing change and seeking out new opportunities.

Finally, it is worth noting the musicality of the poem, which is enhanced by the AABB rhyme scheme and the repetition of certain phrases ("we will go, we will go" and "to me, to me"). This musical quality reflects the rhythm of life at sea, as well as the sense of adventure and excitement that is at the heart of the poem.

Conclusion

In "Anchor Song", Rudyard Kipling creates a vivid portrait of life at sea, as well as the emotional and psychological challenges that come with leaving home and embarking on a new adventure. The poem celebrates the thrill of travel and exploration, as well as the resilience and determination that are necessary for success in such endeavors. At the same time, it reflects Kipling's own nostalgic outlook, as well as his belief in the importance of embracing change and seeking out new experiences. Whether you are a sailor yourself or simply someone who enjoys a good adventure story, "Anchor Song" is a poem that is sure to capture your imagination and take you on a journey you won't soon forget.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a medium through which people express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. One of the most famous poets of all time is Rudyard Kipling, who wrote the classic poem "Anchor Song." This poem is a beautiful piece of literature that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem "Anchor Song" was written by Rudyard Kipling in 1890. It is a poem that talks about the life of sailors and their experiences at sea. The poem is written in a unique style, with a repetitive structure that gives it a musical quality. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza are the same, while the second and fourth lines are different.

The first stanza of the poem talks about the sailors' experiences at sea. The first line of the stanza is "The sea is a thief, a thief of souls." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the sea is a dangerous place, and sailors are at risk of losing their lives. The second line of the stanza is "She steals them away, one by one." This line reinforces the idea that the sea is a thief, and it takes the lives of sailors one by one. The third line of the stanza is "She lures them with her siren song." This line suggests that the sea is alluring and tempting, and it is difficult for sailors to resist its call. The fourth line of the stanza is "And they follow, follow along." This line suggests that sailors are drawn to the sea, and they follow its call even though they know the risks.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the sailors' experiences on land. The first line of the stanza is "The land is a jailer, a jailer of men." This line suggests that the land is a restrictive place, and sailors feel trapped when they are on land. The second line of the stanza is "It holds them fast, one by one." This line reinforces the idea that sailors feel trapped on land. The third line of the stanza is "It offers them no siren song." This line suggests that the land is not alluring or tempting, and sailors do not feel drawn to it. The fourth line of the stanza is "And they long, long to be gone." This line suggests that sailors long to be back at sea, where they feel free and alive.

The third stanza of the poem talks about the sailors' experiences with their ship. The first line of the stanza is "The ship is a mother, a mother to all." This line suggests that the ship is a nurturing and protective force for sailors. The second line of the stanza is "She carries them safe, one by one." This line reinforces the idea that the ship is a protective force for sailors. The third line of the stanza is "She sings them a sweet lullaby." This line suggests that the ship is comforting and soothing for sailors. The fourth line of the stanza is "And they sleep, sleep till the morning sun." This line suggests that sailors feel safe and secure on their ship, and they can rest peacefully.

The poem "Anchor Song" is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of the sailor's life. It is a poem that is full of emotion and imagery, and it paints a vivid picture of the sailor's experiences at sea. The poem is written in a unique style, with a repetitive structure that gives it a musical quality. The repetition of the first and third lines of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and harmony that is reminiscent of a song.

The poem is also full of symbolism. The sea is a symbol of danger and temptation, while the land is a symbol of restriction and confinement. The ship is a symbol of safety and protection, and it represents the sailor's home away from home. The use of these symbols adds depth and meaning to the poem, and it helps to convey the emotions and experiences of the sailors.

In conclusion, the poem "Anchor Song" is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of the sailor's life. It is a poem that is full of emotion and imagery, and it paints a vivid picture of the sailor's experiences at sea. The repetitive structure of the poem gives it a musical quality, and the use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem. Rudyard Kipling was a master of his craft, and "Anchor Song" is a testament to his talent as a poet.

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