Far Horizons by Francis Neilson
"Far Horizons" by Francis Neilson is a reflective poem that explores themes of longing, fear, and the pursuit of freedom. The poem begins with the imagery of standing on a barren shore, gazing out at the sea, which symbolizes the unknown future and the potential for joy. The speaker and their companion are filled with hope and dreams of what lies beyond the horizon, yet they are also aware of the frailty of their journey and the challenges they may face. The poem delves into the internal conflict between the desire for liberation and the fear of leaving behind familiar ties and enduring pain. The speaker acknowledges the fear that clouds their vision and fills their hearts with dread, suggesting that this fear may lead to a spiritual death if not overcome. The poem questions whether the grief they feel is due to their weakness and lack of courage to embrace freedom, choosing instead the comfort of familiar bondage. Ultimately, the poem concludes with a sense of resignation and hope, as the speaker and their companion decide to wait together, facing the sea, in anticipation of a future tide that may carry them toward their dreams.
By Francis Neilson · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 362 words
First lines
We stand upon the barren shore, / And look far out to sea, / The crooning waves their burden pour / On you and me.
Our longing eyes, full of our mind, / On far horizons lie -- / There, where our joy we hope to find / Before we die.
What this Textopian page supports
Far Horizons is listed on Textopian as a short story by Francis Neilson, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Francis Neilson
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Existential Poetry, Symbolist Poetry
- Length: 362 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Far Horizons by Francis Neilson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotion and introspection through reflective language and imagery.
- Romantic Poetry — The focus on nature, love, and the sublime in the setting aligns with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The meditation on life's uncertainties and the nature of freedom indicates a philosophical inquiry.
- Existential Poetry — Themes of dread, freedom, and the burden of existence show a concern with existential questions.
Tags
travel narrative · historical analysis · political commentary · international relations · diplomatic history · global perspective · empire critique · modernity · cultural observations · social transformation · geopolitical insight · conflict analysis