'It 's Forth Across The Roaring Foam' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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IT'S forth across the roaring foam, and on towards the west,
It's many a lonely league from home, o'er many a mountain crest,
From where the dogs of Scotland call the sheep around the fold,
To where the flags are flying beside the Gates of Gold.
Where all the deep-sea galleons ride that come to bring the corn,
Where falls the fog at eventide and blows the breeze at morn;
It's there that I was sick and sad, alone and poor and cold,
In yon distressful city beside the Gates of Gold.
I slept as one that nothing knows; but far along my way,
Before the morning God rose and planned the coming day;
Afar before me forth he went, as through the sands of old,
And chose the friends to help me beside the Gates of Gold.
I have been near, I have been far, my back's been at the wall,
Yet aye and ever shone the star to guide me through it all:
The love of God, the help of man, they both shall make me bold
Against the gates of darkness as beside the Gates of Gold.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam" by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Journey of Love and Adventure
Have you ever felt the irresistible pull of the sea, beckoning you to embark on a voyage of discovery? Have you ever longed to leave behind the mundane routine of everyday life and set sail towards unknown horizons? If so, then you will surely relate to Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam", an ode to the allure of the sea and the adventures that await those who dare to explore its vast expanse.
From the very first line, Stevenson sets the tone for a thrilling journey: "It's forth across the roaring foam, / And on towards the west". The use of the word "roaring" to describe the sea conveys a sense of power and danger, yet also excitement and anticipation. The direction "towards the west" suggests a quest for new lands and opportunities, echoing the age of exploration and colonialism that was prevalent in Stevenson's time.
But this is not just a poem about adventure and conquest. At its heart, "It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam" is a love poem, celebrating the bond between the speaker and their beloved. The second stanza begins with the lines "My Love she leans upon the helm, / And I am at the wheel". Here, we see the speaker and their partner working together, united in their quest and in their love for each other. The image of the two of them steering the ship together is a powerful metaphor for their relationship, suggesting that they are equal partners in life's journey.
Throughout the poem, Stevenson uses vivid and evocative language to bring the sea to life. We can almost feel the spray of the waves on our faces as we read lines like "The wind is piping loud and shrill" and "The spray leaps like a living thing". The sea is not just a backdrop for the action, but a character in its own right, with its own moods and whims. Stevenson's descriptions of the sea are both beautiful and terrifying, capturing the awe-inspiring power of nature.
As the poem progresses, we sense a growing tension and danger. The third stanza describes the ship being tossed by the waves and the crew struggling to stay afloat. The lines "The ship is plunging forward, / Blows the foam from having pass'd" suggest a sense of urgency and desperation, as the sailors battle to keep the ship from sinking. Yet even in the midst of this chaos, the speaker's thoughts turn to their beloved: "My Love has clasped her little hands, / She thinks that we must drown". This moment of vulnerability and fear only serves to strengthen the bond between the speaker and their partner, as they face the danger together.
The final stanza of the poem brings a resolution to the tension and danger that has been building throughout. The ship reaches its destination, and the speaker and their beloved are reunited with loved ones who have been waiting for them. The lines "And O the lights of home are sweet, / And O the earth is green!" convey a sense of relief and joy, as the sailors are welcomed back to familiar shores. Yet even as the journey comes to an end, the sense of adventure and possibility remains: "But still there comes the longing breeze, / But still the west winds roar". The sea continues to call to the speaker, promising new adventures and experiences.
In conclusion, "It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the thrill and danger of a sea voyage, as well as the deep bond between the speaker and their beloved. Through his use of vivid language and imagery, Robert Louis Stevenson brings the sea to life, painting a picture of a world full of possibilities and adventures. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a landlocked dreamer, this poem is sure to inspire you to set sail on your own journey of love and adventure.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions we never knew existed, and make us see the world in a new light. Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam" is a perfect example of how poetry can do all of these things and more.
The poem is a tribute to the sailors who brave the rough seas and the dangers that come with it. It is a celebration of their courage, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit. The poem begins with the line "It's forth across the roaring foam, and on towards the west," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "roaring" to describe the foam is a powerful image that conveys the strength and force of the sea.
Stevenson then goes on to describe the sailors as "the men who go to sea," highlighting their bravery and their willingness to face the unknown. He describes them as "the men who brave the storm," emphasizing the dangers they face and the risks they take. The use of the word "brave" is particularly significant here, as it suggests that the sailors are not just doing their job, but are actively choosing to face the dangers of the sea.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as Stevenson reflects on the sailors' thoughts and feelings as they sail across the sea. He writes, "Their hearts are dancing with the waves, their souls are in the sky," which is a beautiful image that captures the sailors' sense of freedom and their connection to the natural world. The use of the word "dancing" is particularly effective here, as it suggests a sense of joy and abandon that is often associated with dancing.
Stevenson then goes on to describe the sailors' relationship with the sea itself. He writes, "They love the billows' rise and fall, their ships they love so well," which suggests that the sailors have a deep and abiding love for the sea and the ships that carry them across it. This love is further emphasized in the lines "They love the land of snow and pine, they love the heather bell," which suggests that the sailors have a deep appreciation for the natural world in all its forms.
The poem then takes a more somber turn, as Stevenson reflects on the dangers that the sailors face. He writes, "But oh, the ship has cruel blows, the bleeding hearts it hides," which is a powerful image that conveys the risks and dangers that come with sailing. The use of the word "bleeding" is particularly effective here, as it suggests the physical and emotional toll that sailing can take on the sailors.
Despite these dangers, however, the poem ends on a hopeful note. Stevenson writes, "And still it's for the struggling north, and still it's for the west," which suggests that the sailors are undeterred by the dangers they face and are still willing to brave the seas in search of adventure and discovery. This final line is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit, and of the power of poetry to capture and convey these qualities.
In terms of form, the poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sense of structure and coherence. The use of repetition, particularly in the lines "It's forth across the roaring foam" and "And still it's for the west," is also effective in emphasizing the poem's themes of courage and determination.
Overall, "It's Forth Across The Roaring Foam" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the courage and resilience of sailors. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the beauty and danger of the sea, and the indomitable spirit of those who sail across it. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty, and to inspire us to see the world in a new light.
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