It has hit me again. That deep longing for the sea. Do you know what I mean? For you it might be the mountains or a bustling city. It doesn’t matter where it is…just that place that is calling to your soul.
Sea Fever
by John Masefield
I must go down to the seas 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 a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the
long trick’s over.
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 a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the
long trick’s over.
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My grandfather was quite fond of this poem which makes sense since he lived much of his life on the beaches of Southern California. He was amongst the first amateur scuba divers and most weekends were spent practicing this sport and catching various forms of sea life which he then prepared for his family. My mom recalls actually complaining about having to eat lobster “agaaainnn!”.
I, on the other hand, grew up in the high desert of California and while our family did go to the ocean occasionally, I was never one to enjoy baking on a hot beach with huge crowds of people. So perhaps it will seem odd that this has been one of my favorite poems ever since I first read it in junior high. Most people, when they think of Southern California beaches, envision bright sunshine, beach towels, suntan lotion and children squealing and jumping the waves at the water’s edge. While I admit that picture has a certain charm (assuming you have a little melanin in your skin and don’t look like a boiled lobster after the first 15 minutes in bright sunshine), my perfect vision of the beach is a little different.
I most enjoy the ocean as the sun is setting or perhaps on a slightly cool and cloudy day. I don’t mind sharing the beach with a few others. But just a few. I like to walk along the water’s edge barefooted, zigzagging back and forth as the waves roll in. I like to stand with my toes dug into the wet sand and gaze out across the ocean as the sun sets. I like to sit on a beach towel a little way from the water and run my fingers through the cooling sand in silent meditation. I love the damp air, the sound of the crashing waves and most of all, the salty fragrance of the sea air. If only someone could bottle that smell.
It’s been quite awhile since I spent much time at the beach. I’m not entirely sure why I’ve been feeling this longing for the sea lately. Perhaps it’s because it’s been so hot here in Oklahoma and cool ocean breezes sound appealing. I think it’s more than that, though. I haven’t figured it all out yet but I think it has something to do with a deep craving for quiet and peace. Our lives have been rather hectic lately and while we are having a lot of fun times with friends, I think my deepest being is in need of mental, physical and emotional rest.
I don’t foresee a trip to the ocean anytime soon but I’m brainstorming ideas to bring a little of the sea to my daily life. Our family room is decorated in a nautical theme, although I currently have some of the decorative items stowed away. Maybe it’s time to pull out the seashells and the jar of sand I collected on one of our trips to Dana Point several years ago. And I’m thinking about getting one of those white noise machines that sounds like the ocean. But more importantly, I think I need to set aside some time each day to simply be quiet and meditate.
“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.
The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.”
~Kate Chopin~
