Emily Dickinson

On This Wondrous Sea

poem 4

On This Wondrous Sea - meaning Summary

Journey Toward Eternal Shore

The poem uses a calm sea voyage as a metaphor for the soul’s passage from life to death. The speaker addresses a pilot, asking if the safe shore beyond storms is known, then directs toward the peaceful west where ships rest and anchors hold. The final cry of Land Ho! and Eternity frames arrival as relief and completion, presenting death as a tranquil landing rather than violent ending.

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On this wondrous sea Sailing silently, Ho! Pilot, ho! Knowest thou the shore Where no breakers roar Where the storm is o’er? In the peaceful west Many the sails at rest The anchors fast Thither I pilot thee Land Ho! Eternity! Ashore at last!

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