Down On The Shore

By William Allingham

Narrative Poem
Down on the shore, on the sunny shore! Where the salt smell cheers the land; Where the tide moves bright under boundless light, And the surge on the glittering strand; Where the children wade in the shallow pools, Or run from the froth in play; Where the swift little boats with milk-white wings Are crossing the sapphire bay, And the ship in full sail, with a fortunate gale, Holds proudy on her way; Where the nets are spread on the grass to dry, And asleep, hard by, the fishermen lie, Under the tent of the warm blue sky, With the hushing wave on its golden floor To sing their lullaby. Down on the shore, on the stormy shore! Beset by a growling sea, Whose mad waves leap on the rocky steep Like wolves up a traveller's tree; Where the foam flies wide, and an angry blast Blows the curlew off, with a screech; Where the brown sea-wrack, torn up by the roots, Is flung out of fishes' reach; And the tall ship rolls on the hidden shoals, And scatters her planks on the beach; Where slate and straw through the village spin, And a cottage fronts the fiercest din With a sailor's wife sitting sad within, Hearkening the wind and the water's roar, Till at last her tears begin.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a vivid exploration of the multifaceted and ever-changing relationship between humanity and the sea, creating a dichotomy of emotions and experiences. The first stanza paints a picture of idyllic maritime life, filled with light, play, and serenity. The use of vivid imagery and sensory details -- the "salt smell," the "surge on the glittering strand," the "milk-white wings" of boats -- allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil seaside landscape. The rhythm and rhyme scheme here also create a soothing, lullaby-like tone, reflecting the peaceful harmony between the people and the sea.

In stark contrast, the second stanza depicts a darker, more violent side of the sea. The same sea that once sparkled under the "boundless light" is now a "growling" beast, its waves attacking "like wolves." The poem's tone shifts dramatically here, mirroring the sudden turn in weather and fortune. The poet uses personification and hyperbole to intensify the sense of danger and chaos, while the repetition of "Down on the shore, on the stormy shore!" adds a sense of urgency and dread. The final image of a sailor's wife anxiously awaiting her husband's fate underscores the perilous, unpredictable nature of the sea, and leaves readers with a lingering sense of unease. The duality of the sea -- as both a source of joy and a force of destruction -- is thus powerfully conveyed through the poem's contrasting imagery, tone, and emotional resonance.

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.