On The Seas And Far Away

[anteros_lmc]

I don't usually post anything for Burns night, but what the hell. I can't say Burns has ever been one of my favourite Scottish poets, but on the rare occasions that I do take the time to actually read his poetry I'm always really struck by it. He's one of those poets who has really suffered from over familiarity, which is a real shame as he's a brilliant writer. Having said all that, this poem, which was written in 1794, just a year into the French Revolutionary War, isn't one of his best works, and indeed Burns himself was critical of it.

I shall withdraw my "On the seas and far away" altogether; it is unequal and unworthy of the work. Making a poem is like begetting a son; you can not know if you have a wise man or a fool, until you produce him to the world and try him.

I think it has a certain charm though and it's definitely fitting for my LJ!

On The Seas and Far Away How can my poor heart be glad, When absent from my Sailor lad; How can I the thought forego, He's on the seas to meet the foe: Let me wander, let me rove, Still my heart is with my Love; Nightly dreams and thoughts by day, Are with him that's far away. On the seas and far away, On stormy seas and far away, Nightly dreams and thoughts by day, Are aye with him that's far away. When in summer noon I faint, As weary flocks around me pant, Haply in this scorching sun My Sailor's thund'ring at his gun: Bullets spare my only joy! Bullets spare my darling boy! Fate, do with me what you may, Spare but him that's far away. On the seas and far away, On stormy seas and far away, Fate do with me what you may, Spare but him that's far away. At the starless, midnight hour When Winter rules with boundless power; As the storms the forest tear, And thunders rend the howling air: Listening to the doubling roar, Surging on the rocky shore, All I can - I weep and pray For his weal that's far away, On the seas and far away, On stormy seas and far away, All I can I weep and pray For his weal that's far away. Peace, thy olive wand extend, And bid wild War his ravage end, Man with brother Man to meet, And as a brother kindly greet: Then may Heaven with prosperous gales Fill my Sailor's welcome sails; To my arms their charge convey, My dear lad that's far away. On the seas and far away, On stormy seas and far away, To my arms their charge convey, My dear lad that's far away.

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Oh I had never read this one. He is right of course about writing being of unknown quality until it is all done. At least I think so.

But this is a fine poem. It does not have to be confusing or complex to be sound and right.

The fears for a sailor at sea on a warship...he got that very right I think.

He wrote in several poems about a hoped for future where men would be brothers. I wonder if he would be surprised that we are not there yet.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

He is right of course about writing being of unknown quality until it is all done. At least I think so.
Definitely! I thought you would like that quote.

The fears for a sailor at sea on a warship...he got that very right I think.
I think so too. For all its simplicity, I really like this poem.

He wrote in several poems about a hoped for future where men would be brothers.
Yes that was one of his enduring themes. (That and love of women!) I think he'd be disappointed that we have progressed so little tbh.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_likimeya/]

What are your favourite Scottish poets then? :)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

If you have a look at the Poetry tag you can read some of them.

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

He was quite handsome too. I had never seen a picture of him young. He is rocking that cravat!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

He was very handsome and he adored women, as you can tell from his poetry. He had numerous lovers and is thought to have fathered between eight and twelve illegitimate children.

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Burns Night almost passed me by this year, which would have been irritating since it's the one time I can easily get haggis locally. Fortunately I got two reminders yesterday (part of a museum being closed off so they could set up for a party then Mum and Dad mentioning their haggis on the phone) so I ran out and stocked up while it was on offer.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Hehe! If you ever need emergency haggis rations later in the year, I can always send a food parcel!

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Thanks!