the sea, the sea

'The Sea': 12"X12" acrylic on canvas

I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

by John Masefield

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I used this poem as the inspiration for this work-in-progress for Louise's 'Creative Color Challenge'.  Check out all the other contributions here...

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Have you ever been on a tall ship?  It is a magical experience.  I once raced in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race across the Bay of Biscay, wind in my hair and dolphins at the bow.  I love this poem as it captures that feeling so beautifully - the sense of freedom, and wandering wonder