The Good Ship "Ohio."

Author: A. H. Laidlaw

    Swift o'er the lee when the wind flies free,
    Follows the ship "Ohio,"
    With skies o'ercast she bends to the blast,
    Like a billowy bird she can fly, O,
    And she'll leave all behind in a whispering wind
    As soft as a maiden's sigh, O.
    Or when o'er the Lakes the storm-cloud breaks,
    And the waves scoop their murderous hollow,
    While the weaker ship to its mooring must slip
    And safe in a harbor wallow,
    In the front of the storm she fills her white form,
    And the demons of danger follow.

    O for the life 'mid the storm and the strife
    Of sailor and storm and billow!
    Far be my bed from the lubberly dead
    That sleep near the wailing willow,
    But give me the grave of the mutinous wave
    With its heaving and whistling pillow.
    Down from the skies look the spectral eyes
    Of our kelpie, sprite and bewailer,
    And gathering in crowds by the shivering shrouds,
    They croon while our cheeks grow paler,
    And they sing as they sweep o'er the clamorous deep:
    "We love the hot heart of a sailor!"
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem vividly contrasts the harsh, daring life of the sailor with the peaceful, mundane life ashore, resulting in a lively and evocative exploration of freedom, danger, and passion. The speaker's admiration for the audacious ship "Ohio" and the sailors who brave the storms on the sea is clear, setting a tone of admiration and longing throughout the poem.

The structure of the poem is consistent, and the regular rhyme scheme contributes to the rhythmic, sea-shanty feel of the piece, enhancing the maritime theme. The poet uses striking imagery, metaphors, and personification to bring the sea and the ship to life. Phrases like "the waves scoop their murderous hollow," and "the demons of danger follow" transform the sea into a menacing, almost supernatural force. Yet, there's a sense of thrill and exhilaration in facing these dangers.

In the second half of the poem, the speaker expresses a preference for a sailor's grave at sea over a quiet death on land. The supernatural element is further heightened with the introduction of "spectral eyes" and mythical sea creatures like "kelpie, sprite and bewailer". This not only adds a touch of the eerie and otherworldly to the poem, but it also emphasizes the allure and fascination of the sea, despite its perils. The poem concludes with these supernatural beings expressing their love for the "hot heart of a sailor," reinforcing the theme of passion and courage in the face of danger. This poem, therefore, both acknowledges the perilous nature of the seafaring life, while also celebrating the spirit of adventure and audacity that it represents.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.