Sail On, Sail On

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
    Sail on, sail on, thou fearless bark--         Wherever blows the welcome wind,     It cannot lead to scenes more dark,         More sad than those we leave behind.     Each wave that passes seems to say,         "Tho' death beneath our smile may be,         Less cold we are, less false than they,         Whose smiling wrecked thy hopes and thee."     Sail on, sail on,--thro' endless space--         Thro' calm--thro' tempest--stop no more:     The stormiest sea's a resting place         To him who leaves such hearts on shore.     Or--if some desert land we meet,         Where never yet false-hearted men     Profaned a world, that else were sweet,--         Then rest thee, bark, but not till then.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem explores themes of resilience, journey, and betrayal, using the metaphor of a ship sailing on tumultuous seas. The tone of the poem is one of melancholic encouragement, urging the boat (and by extension, the reader) to continue their voyage, despite the hardships faced.

The structure of the poem follows a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, which gives it a lyrical, song-like quality. This musicality underscores the poem's core message of pressing forward. The refrain of "Sail on, sail on" is a powerful device that underlines this theme of resilience, and the use of the phrase "thou fearless bark" personifies the boat, giving it a sense of courageous character.

The poem also makes effective use of contrast, particularly in the lines, "Less cold we are, less false than they / Whose smiling wrecked thy hopes and thee." Here, the sea, often portrayed as deceitful and dangerous, is made to seem less cruel than the betrayers left on shore.

In essence, the poem offers a poignant commentary on the hardships of life's journey and the strength it takes to persevere, even when those around us prove untrustworthy. The poet paints a vivid picture of a relentless voyage, where rest comes not in the absence of storms, but in the escape from falsehood and betrayal.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.