When The Wind Storms

Author: William Ernest Henley

    When the wind storms by with a shout, and the stern sea-caves
    Rejoice in the tramp and the roar of onsetting waves,
    Then, then, it comes home to the heart that the top of life
    Is the passion that burns the blood in the act of strife -
    Till you pity the dead down there in their quiet graves.

    But to drowse with the fen behind and the fog before,
    When the rain-rot spreads and a tame sea mumbles the shore,
    Not to adventure, none to fight, no right and no wrong,
    Sons of the Sword heart-sick for a stave of your sire's old song -
    O, you envy the blessed death that can live no more!
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

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Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid exploration of the human spirit's struggle between the fierce, invigorating thrill of conflict and the languid, dull monotony of peace. The poem's tone fluctuates between exhilaration and melancholy, reflecting the contrasting states of being it describes.

The first stanza is filled with dynamic, powerful imagery, symbolizing a life of passion and struggle. The "wind storms," "stern sea-caves," and "onsetting waves" create an impression of nature's tempestuous might, serving as a metaphor for the turbulent emotions and challenges that energize life. The phrase "burns the blood in the act of strife" conveys the exhilaration of conflict, suggesting that it's the "top of life."

The second stanza, however, paints a starkly different picture. The "drowse," "fen," "fog," and "tame sea" evoke a sense of stagnation and boredom. The "rain-rot" symbolizes decay, and the absence of "adventure," "fight," "right" and "wrong" suggests a life devoid of purpose and excitement. The longing for the "sire's old song" signifies a yearning for past glories and adventures, adding to the sense of ennui and discontent.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and regular rhythm, adds to the poem's dramatic effect. Meanwhile, the repetition of the phrase "O, you envy the blessed death" underscores the intensity of the speaker's yearning for a life of passion and struggle. Through this poem, the poet seems to argue that a life of conflict, though painful and challenging, is more fulfilling and meaningful than a life of complacency and monotony.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.