We Fish (Poems from Mardi) by Herman Melville
The collection of poems explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition through a series of lyrical and introspective verses. The poems are characterized by their use of symbolism, metaphor, and imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas. The speaker in the poems grapples with the fleeting nature of life and love, often using the ocean as a symbol for the unknown and the uncontrollable forces that shape human experience. The poems also touch on themes of mortality, longing, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Throughout the collection, Melville's unique voice and perspective are evident, offering a nuanced and deeply personal exploration of the human experience.
By Herman Melville · First published 1847 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Nature · 269 words
First lines
We fish, we fish, we merrily swim, / We care not for friend nor for foe.
Our fins are stout, / Our tails are out, / As through the seas we go.
Fish, Fish, we are fish with red gills; / Naught disturbs us, our blood is at zero: / We are buoyant because of our bags, / Being many, each fish is a hero.
We care not what is it, this life / That we follow, this phantom unknown; / To swim, it's exceedingly pleasant,- / So swim away, making a foam.
What this Textopian page supports
We Fish (Poems from Mardi) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1847 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 269 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for We Fish (Poems from Mardi) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Adventure — The poem describes the journey and exploration of fish swimming through the seas, embodying themes of adventure.
- Nature — The poem focuses on the natural world, specifically the life and environment of fish in the sea.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on existential themes, such as the nature of life and the unknown, through the perspective of fish.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Maritime Poetry · Fishing Industry · Poetic Narrative · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature Writing · Regionalism · Cultural Commentary · Social Critique · Economic Commentary