'Sea Change' by Robert Service
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I saw a Priest in beetle black
Come to our golden beach,
And I was taken sore aback
Lest he should choose to preach
And chide me for my only wear,
A "Gee" string and a brassire.
And then I saw him shyly doff
And fold his grim soutane,
And one by one his clothes take off,
Until like any man
He stood in bathing trunks, a sight
To thrill a maiden with delight.
For he was framed and fashioned like
Apollo Belvedere;
I felt my heart like cymbal strike
Beneath my brassire.
And then the flounce of foam he broke,
And disappeared with flashing stroke.
We met. 'Twas in the billows roll.
Oh how he sang with joy;
But not a hymn, - a merry troll
With gusto of a boy.
I looked, and lo! the priest was gone,
And in his place a laughing faun. . . .
Today confession I have made.
The Father's face was stern,
And I was glad that in the shade
Mine he could not discern . . .
He gave me grace - but oh the bliss,
The salty passion of his kiss!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sea Change: A Masterpiece of Nautical Poetry
The sea is an enigmatic entity that has fascinated poets and writers for centuries. It is a symbol of unfathomable depths, a metaphor for life's unpredictable nature, and a source of inspiration that has given birth to some of the most profound literary works of all time. One such work is "Sea Change," a poem penned by the legendary Robert Service. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language used in this classic piece of nautical poetry.
The Themes of Sea Change
At its core, "Sea Change" is a poem about change, transformation, and the passage of time. The poem tells the story of a sailor who is returning to the sea after a long absence, only to find that everything has changed. The familiar landmarks, the people he once knew, and even the sea itself seem different. But despite the changes, the sailor finds solace in the fact that some things remain constant, such as the rhythm of the waves and the call of the sea.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that everything is in a constant state of flux. The sea, which is often used as a metaphor for life, is always changing, never staying the same. The sailor's return to the sea after a long absence is a reminder that nothing stays the same, and that we must learn to adapt to change if we are to survive.
Another theme of "Sea Change" is the idea of loss and nostalgia. The sailor feels a sense of loss as he realizes that the familiar landmarks and people he once knew are gone. He longs for the past, for a time when things were simpler and more familiar. But despite his nostalgia, the sailor realizes that he must move on and adapt to the changes.
The Symbols of Sea Change
"Sea Change" is a rich and complex work of poetry, filled with symbols and metaphors that add depth and meaning to the text. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the sea itself. The sea is a symbol of transformation, of the ebb and flow of life. It represents the passage of time, the constant change that is inherent in all things. The sea is also a symbol of power, of the awesome forces that can shape and change our lives.
Another important symbol in the poem is the lighthouse. The lighthouse represents stability and guidance, a beacon of hope in the midst of change. It is a reminder that even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, there is still a path to follow, a way to navigate the unknown waters of life.
The sailor is also a symbol in the poem, representing the human experience of change and transformation. He is a reminder that we all must face the changes that life brings, and that we must learn to adapt and navigate the unknown waters of the future.
The Language of Sea Change
One of the hallmarks of Robert Service's poetry is his use of language. His poems are filled with vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and evocative language that transports the reader to another time and place. "Sea Change" is no exception. The language in the poem is rich and evocative, bringing the sea to life and immersing the reader in the world of the sailor.
One of the most striking aspects of the language in "Sea Change" is the use of repetition. Service repeats certain words and phrases throughout the poem, such as "sea change," "ebb and flow," and "the sea, the sea." This repetition serves to reinforce the central themes of the poem, emphasizing the constant change and transformation that is inherent in the sea.
Another notable aspect of the language in the poem is the use of alliteration and assonance. Service uses these techniques to create a musical quality to the poem, adding to the rhythm and cadence of the words. For example, in the lines "And the mournful monotone / Of the surf on the reef below," the repetition of the "m" sound creates a mournful, melancholic tone that adds to the sense of loss and nostalgia in the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Sea Change" is a masterpiece of nautical poetry, filled with rich symbols, evocative language, and powerful themes. It is a reminder that life is always changing, that nothing stays the same. But despite the uncertainty and turmoil that comes with change, there is still beauty to be found, still solace to be found in the rhythm of the waves and the call of the sea. Robert Service's "Sea Change" is a timeless work of art that speaks to the human experience of change and transformation, and is a testament to the power of language and poetry to move and inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sea Change: A Poem of Transformation and Renewal
Robert Service’s Sea Change is a classic poem that captures the essence of transformation and renewal. Written in 1918, the poem speaks to the human experience of change and the power of nature to inspire and transform us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a description of the sea, which is portrayed as a force of nature that is both beautiful and dangerous. The speaker describes the sea as “a siren of the night” and “a witch of the dawn,” suggesting that it has a seductive and mysterious quality that draws people in. However, the speaker also acknowledges the danger of the sea, describing it as “a cruel and pitiless thing” that can “wreck a ship and drown a king.”
The sea is also portrayed as a symbol of change and transformation. The speaker describes how the sea can “change its mood and change its hue” and how it can “turn from blue to gray to green.” This imagery suggests that the sea is constantly evolving and changing, just like life itself. The sea is also described as a “changeling,” which is a term used to describe a child who has been replaced by a fairy or other supernatural being. This suggests that the sea is not just a natural force, but also a mystical and magical entity that has the power to transform and change us.
The theme of transformation is further explored in the second stanza of the poem, where the speaker describes how the sea can “change a man from what he was before.” This suggests that the sea has the power to transform us on a deep and profound level, changing us from the inside out. The speaker goes on to describe how the sea can “wash away the stain of sin” and “cleanse the soul of hate and spite.” This imagery suggests that the sea has the power to purify and renew us, washing away our past mistakes and negative emotions.
The language used in the poem is also significant in conveying its themes and imagery. The poem is written in a lyrical and musical style, with a strong rhythm and rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of flow and movement, mirroring the ebb and flow of the sea. The language is also rich in metaphor and imagery, with vivid descriptions of the sea and its effects on the human psyche.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the sea as a “mother of pearl.” This suggests that the sea is not just a force of nature, but also a nurturing and protective entity that cares for us like a mother. The image of the sea as a mother of pearl is also significant in light of the theme of transformation, as pearls are formed through a process of transformation and growth.
The poem also contains a number of religious references, suggesting that the sea is not just a natural force, but also a spiritual one. The speaker describes how the sea can “wash away the stain of sin” and “cleanse the soul of hate and spite,” echoing the language of baptism and religious purification. The sea is also described as a “holy thing,” suggesting that it is imbued with a divine power and significance.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the speaker’s own transformation through his encounter with the sea. The speaker describes how the sea has “changed my heart and changed my soul” and how he has been “born again” through his experience. This suggests that the sea has the power to transform us on a deep and profound level, renewing us and giving us a fresh start.
In conclusion, Sea Change is a classic poem that captures the essence of transformation and renewal. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem explores the power of the sea to transform us on a deep and profound level, washing away our past mistakes and negative emotions. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and the transformative effect it can have on our lives.
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