When You Are On The Sea

By Dora Sigerson Shorter

Ballad
     How can I laugh or dance as others do,             Or ply my rock or reel?      My heart will still return to dreams of you             Beside my spinning-wheel.      My little dog he cried out in the dark,             He would not whisht for me:      I took him to my side-why did he bark             When you were on the sea?      I fear the red cock-if he crow to-night-             I keep him close and warm,      ’Twere ill with me, if he should wake in fright             And you out in the storm.      I dare not smile for fear my laugh would ring             Across your dying ears;      O, if you, drifting, drowned, should hear me sing             And think I had not tears.      I never thought the sea could wake such waves,             Nor that such winds could be;      I never wept when other eyes grew blind             For some one on the sea.      But now I fear and pray all things for you,             How many dangers be!      I set my wheel aside, what can I do             When you are on the sea?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This emotional poem is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and fear. The central theme is the speaker's deep concern for her loved one who is out at sea, which is expressed through the repeated refrain "When you are on the sea." The poem is imbued with a melancholic tone, as the speaker is unable to partake in everyday activities due to her constant worry and preoccupation.

The structure of the poem, consisting of regular four-line stanzas, also known as quatrains, contributes to its rhythm and flow. The poet's use of a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) enhances the emotional impact and adds a musical quality to the piece. The imagery of the spinning wheel, the barking dog, and the crowing cock serve as symbols of the speaker's domestic life and her heightened sensitivity to possible omens of danger. The repeated motif of the sea, representing both the loved one's absence and the potential peril he faces, is a powerful metaphor that intensifies the speaker's sense of fear and helplessness. This poem is a profound exploration of the human condition, our capacity for love, and the vulnerability that it brings. It invites the reader to empathize with the speaker's deep-seated fears for her beloved, making it a deeply moving piece of poetry.

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.