Poem Analysis - The Coastwise Lights

Rudyard Kipling's "The Coastwise Lights" is a robust and evocative poem celebrating the arduous life and profound connection of sailors with the sea. The poem adopts the collective voice of seasoned mariners, recounting their global voyages and brushes with the supernatural. The tone is initially boastful and adventurous, shifting to moments of introspection and regret towards the end. This transition underscores a deep appreciation for the intangible experiences gained at sea, contrasted with the often-meager material rewards.

The Allure and Peril of the Sea: A Central Paradox

One of the central themes is the paradoxical nature of the sea itself. It is simultaneously a source of life, trade, and adventure, and a realm of immense danger and unpredictable forces. The poem vividly portrays this through its powerful imagery. Phrases like "swinging, smoking seas," "yelling Channel tempest," and "jeopardy of every wind" emphasize the ever-present threat to the sailors' lives. Yet, the repetition of "Coastwise -- cross-seas -- round the world and back again" suggests an irresistible draw, a relentless pursuit of the opportunities and experiences only the sea can offer. The poem highlights how the sea is a force that shapes the men, leaving them "walty, strained, and scarred" but also enriched by their encounters.

Beyond Material Wealth: The True Cargo of Experience

The poem explores the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the experiences and knowledge gained through facing adversity. The stanzas detailing the lack of "ingots," "spice," or "precious stones" directly contrast with the acknowledgment that "what we have we gathered/With sweat and aching bones." These experiences, gleaned "in flame beneath the tropics,/In frost upon the floe," represent a form of wealth immeasurable by monetary standards. The regret expressed in the lines "The worst we stored with utter toil,/The best we left behind!" suggests that the true treasure was not the cargo delivered to London, but the personal growth and unique perspectives acquired during their perilous journeys.

The Supernatural and the Sublime: Confronting the Unknown

Kipling weaves elements of the supernatural into the sailors' narrative, hinting at the mysteries and legends of the sea. Encounters with "The Dutchman plunging," "The Midnight Leadsman," "The Swimmer," and the ghost of Henry Hudson elevate the poem beyond a simple maritime adventure. These spectral encounters emphasize the power of the sea to evoke both fear and awe. The phrase "So walked His signs and marvels/All naked to our eyes" implies a deeper, almost spiritual connection between the sailors and the ocean, highlighting their vulnerability in the face of forces beyond human comprehension. Does the appearance of these supernatural figures represent the sailors' increasing madness after being at sea for so long, or are these to be taken as true experiences?

Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy of the Sea

"The Coastwise Lights" is a powerful tribute to the resilience, courage, and profound connection between sailors and the sea. While it acknowledges the dangers and hardships inherent in a seafaring life, the poem ultimately celebrates the unique experiences and personal growth gained through confronting the unknown. The shifting tone, from initial boastfulness to final introspection, reveals a deep appreciation for the intangible wealth acquired through a life lived at the mercy of the elements. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its ability to capture the enduring allure of the sea and the transformative power of facing its challenges, regardless of the material success or failure of their journeys. The Coastwise Lights that watch the ships of England go, are witness to these journeys, the lives lived at sea, and the stories the sailors bring home (or leave behind) to tell.