A Midsummer Holiday:- I. The Seaboard

Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

    The sea is at ebb, and the sound of her utmost word
    Is soft as the least waves lapse in a still small reach.
    From bay into bay, on quest of a goal deferred,
    From headland ever to headland and breach to breach
    Where earth gives ear to the message that all days preach
    With changes of gladness and sadness that cheer and chide,
    The lone way lures me along by a chance untried
    That haply, if hope dissolve not and faith be whole,
    Not all for nought shall I seek, with a dream for guide.
    The goal that is not, and ever again the goal.
    The trackless ways are untravelled of sail or bird;
    The hoar wave hardly recedes from the soundless beach.
    The silence of instant noon goes nigh to be heard,
    The viewless void to be visible: all and each,
    A closure of calm no clamour of storm can breach
    Concludes and confines and absorbs them on either side,
    All forces of light and of life and the live worlds pride.
    Sands hardly ruffled of ripples that hardly roll
    Seem ever to show as in reach of a swift brief stride
    The goal that is not, and ever again the goal.
    The waves are a joy to the seamew, the meads to the herd,
    And a joy to the heart is a goal that it may not reach.
    No sense that for ever the limits of sense engird,
    No hearing or sight that is vassal to form or speech,
    Learns ever the secret that shadow and silence teach,
    Hears ever the notes that or ever they swell subside,
    Sees ever the light that lights not the loud worlds tide,
    Clasps ever the cause of the lifelong schemes control
    Wherethrough we pursue, till the waters of life be dried,
    The goal that is not, and ever again the goal.
    Friend, what have we sought or seek we, whateer betide,
    Though the seaboard shift its mark from afar descried,
    But aims whence ever anew shall arise the soul?
    Love, thought, song, life, but show for a glimpse and hide
    The goal that is not, and ever again the goal.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a profound exploration of the human condition, specifically our endless pursuit of elusive goals. The sea serves as a prevailing metaphor, its ebb and flow paralleling our constant striving and the cyclical nature of our endeavors. The tone is contemplative, inviting readers to consider their own quests, the "goal that is not, and ever again the goal."

The poem's structure is tightly woven, with a consistent rhyme scheme that adds to its rhythmic movement, mirroring the ceaseless waves. The repetition of the phrase "The goal that is not, and ever again the goal" at the end of each stanza reinforces the theme of unattainable aspirations and the continuous cycle of pursuit. Furthermore, the use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of flow and continuity, underscoring the relentless pursuit the poem portrays.

Powerful imagery is employed, such as "The silence of instant noon goes nigh to be heard," and "The viewless void to be visible," to convey the tantalizing closeness yet unattainability of the ultimate objective. The poem also uses paradoxes, like "The goal that is not," to underline the elusive nature of our aims. Overall, the poem provides a thought-provoking reflection on the human journey, our intrinsic drive, and the often elusive nature of our most profound goals.

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.