In Port
In Port - meaning Summary
Homeward After Long Voyages
The poem sketches sailors returning home after long voyages. It contrasts exotic memories of spice-scented seas and eastern stars with the comforting, familiar sights and sounds of harbor, pine hills, and waiting loved ones. The voice celebrates relief and reunion: sails are furled, the wind and shore-song welcome them, and the crew gladly abandon the wandering life for home and affection. Tone is warm, triumphant, and restorative.
Read Complete AnalysesOut of the fires of the sunset come we again to our own We have girdled the world in our sailing under many an orient star; Still to our battered canvas the scents of the spice gales cling, And our hearts are swelling within us as we cross the harbor bar. Beyond are the dusky hills where the twilight hangs in the pine trees, Below are the lights of home where are watching the tender eyes We have dreamed of on fretted seas in the hours of long night-watches, Ever a beacon to us as we looked to the stranger skies. Hark! how the wind comes out of the haven's arms to greet us, Bringing with it the song that is sung on the ancient shore! Shipmates, furl we our sailswe have left the seas behind us, Gladly finding at last our homes and our loves once more.
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