If tone gave an award for having tone, this poem would win it. Yeah, I just wrote that sentence, deal with it. Firstly offs, the first obstacle over which to hurdle is the metaphor for a boat coming to shore, a sandbar, and crossing water representing the crossing of life to death. However, usually, especially (whoah there conditionals) in America, death is viewed as something of a drag. Many poets have attempted to contemplate the mystery of death and whether to fear it or not, but the speaker, by his tone, seems almost relieved, anticipatory, and hopeful to die. Such phrases as "turns again home," "and may there be no sadness of farewell," and "hope to see my Pilot face to face" provide a hopeful, glad tone. In addition, the speaker utilizes imagery of crossing water which is plentiful in biblical imagery as well. It's quite holy.
This is reminding me a bit of Siddhartha on the river.
ReplyDeleteSiddhartha's spoon was too big. That was his issue.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhh, yes, clearly. It didn't occur to me that your picture might be referencing that o.O.
ReplyDelete