'After The Sea-Ship' by Walt Whitman


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AFTER the Sea-Ship--after the whistling winds;
After the white-gray sails, taut to their spars and ropes,
Below, a myriad, myriad waves, hastening, lifting up their necks,
Tending in ceaseless flow toward the track of the ship:
Waves of the ocean, bubbling and gurgling, blithely prying,
Waves, undulating waves--liquid, uneven, emulous waves,
Toward that whirling current, laughing and buoyant, with curves,
Where the great Vessel, sailing and tacking, displaced the surface;
Larger and smaller waves, in the spread of the ocean, yearnfully
flowing;
The wake of the Sea-Ship, after she passes--flashing and frolicsome,
under the sun,10
A motley procession, with many a fleck of foam, and many fragments,
Following the stately and rapid Ship--in the wake following.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpreting Whitman's "After the Sea-Ship"

Walt Whitman's "After the Sea-Ship" is a poem that captures the beauty of the sea, the essence of human existence, and the passage of time. It is a poem that speaks to our innate desire to explore, to seek adventure, and to experience life in all its glory.

At its core, the poem is a celebration of the sea and the role it plays in our lives. The sea is presented as a powerful force that has the ability to shape our lives and our destiny. It is a force that can both inspire and intimidate us, and Whitman captures this duality in his writing.

The Power of the Sea

Whitman's depiction of the sea is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. He describes it as a "mighty ocean" that is "ever-haunting" and "ever-mysterious." The sea is presented as a force that is both beautiful and dangerous, and this duality is what makes it so captivating.

Whitman also uses metaphors to describe the sea, comparing it to a "great ship" that sails across the horizon. This metaphor is particularly effective, as it not only highlights the power of the sea but also speaks to our innate desire to explore and discover new things.

The Passage of Time

Another theme that is central to the poem is the passage of time. Whitman reminds us that everything in life is temporary, and that we must cherish every moment that we have. He writes:

"Time and space! Now I see it is true, what I guess'd at,
What I guess'd when I loaf'd on the grass,
What I guess'd while I lay alone in my bed,
And again as I walk'd the beach under the paling stars of the morning."

These lines remind us that time is constantly moving forward, and that we must make the most of every moment that we have. Whitman also uses the sea as a metaphor for the passage of time, describing it as a "vast procession" that is always moving forward.

The Human Experience

Whitman's poem is also a celebration of the human experience. He reminds us that we are all connected, and that our experiences are what make us who we are. He writes:

"We know not where we are going,
But we know that we came from the sea,
That we are children of the sea."

These lines remind us that our lives are a journey, and that we are all connected to each other and the world around us. Whitman also celebrates human emotion and passion, writing:

"Passions, and the pleasures of the senses,
The showering ecstasies and joys of life, pour in upon us all."

These lines remind us that our emotions and passions are what make life worth living, and that we must embrace them fully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Whitman's "After the Sea-Ship" is a poem that captures the beauty of the sea, the essence of human existence, and the passage of time. It is a poem that speaks to our innate desire to explore, to seek adventure, and to experience life in all its glory. It reminds us that time is constantly moving forward, and that we must make the most of every moment that we have. It also celebrates the human experience, and reminds us that our emotions and passions are what make life worth living. I highly recommend this poem to anyone who seeks to connect with the beauty of the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry After The Sea-Ship: A Masterpiece of Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, one of the greatest poets of all time, wrote Poetry After The Sea-Ship in 1860. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the sea and the emotions that come with it. It is a beautiful piece of literature that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique message. The first stanza describes the sea-ship as it sails across the ocean. Whitman uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the ship and its surroundings. He describes the ship as "majestic" and "proud," and the sea as "vast" and "endless." This imagery creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if the reader is standing on the deck of the ship, watching the waves crash against the hull.

The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. Whitman shifts his focus from the ship to the poet himself, who is inspired by the sea and the ship. He writes, "O the joy of my spirit! It is uncaged! It darts like lightning!" This line captures the excitement and energy that the poet feels as he watches the ship sail across the sea. He goes on to describe how the sea and the ship have awakened his senses, allowing him to see, hear, and feel things in a new way.

The third and final stanza is a reflection on the power of poetry. Whitman writes, "And now, dear son, show us your poem's pose, / Pour forth the meanings of your soul." This line is a call to action, urging the reader to express themselves through poetry. Whitman believes that poetry has the power to capture the essence of life and to inspire others to do the same.

One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of repetition. Whitman repeats the phrase "after the sea-ship" throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem, which is the power of the sea and the ship to inspire and awaken the senses.

Another notable feature of this poem is its use of free verse. Whitman was a pioneer of free verse, which is a style of poetry that does not conform to traditional meter or rhyme schemes. This style allows the poet to express themselves in a more natural and spontaneous way, and it is perfectly suited to the subject matter of this poem. The sea and the ship are wild and unpredictable, and free verse captures this sense of chaos and energy.

Overall, Poetry After The Sea-Ship is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the sea and the emotions that come with it. Whitman's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and free verse create a sense of wonder and excitement that is truly inspiring. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to inspire others to do the same.

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