It's Forth Across the Roaring Foam

Name: It's Forth Across the Roaring Foam
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem reflects a journey both physical and spiritual, traversing from the familiar landscapes of Scotland to distant shores. It begins with a sense of adventure, as the speaker sets forth across tumultuous seas towards the west, leaving behind the comforts of home. The imagery evokes a contrast between the pastoral life of Scotland, where dogs herd sheep, and the bustling, uncertain life in a distant city, symbolized by the "Gates of Gold." The speaker recounts feelings of loneliness, sickness, and poverty experienced in this foreign place, highlighting a sense of vulnerability. However, there is a turning point as the speaker acknowledges a guiding presence, suggesting divine intervention or the support of friends. This guidance is portrayed as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path ahead. The poem emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity, with the speaker reflecting on past struggles and the unwavering presence of love and support. The recurring motif of light versus darkness symbolizes the ongoing battle against despair, with the "Gates of Gold" representing a place of ultimate fulfillment and peace. Ultimately, the work conveys themes of hope, faith, and the importance of companionship on life's journey, suggesting that despite challenges, one can find strength through love and divine guidance. The journey is not just a physical one but also a metaphor for personal growth and the quest for meaning.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Adventure · 254 words

First lines

IT'S forth across the roaring foam, and on towards the west, It's many a lonely league from home, o'er many a mountain crest, From where the dogs of Scotland call the sheep around the fold, To where the flags are flying beside the Gates of Gold.

Where all the deep-sea galleons ride that come to bring the corn, Where falls the fog at eventide and blows the breeze at morn; It's there that I was sick and sad, alone and poor and cold, In yon distressful city beside the Gates of Gold.

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It's Forth Across the Roaring Foam is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1896 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Adventure, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
Length: 254 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of journey and introspection.
Spiritual — The poem explores themes of faith, divine guidance, and the human experience in relation to spirituality.
Adventure — The imagery of travel and exploration suggests an adventurous spirit, reflecting the journey across landscapes.
Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.