The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart

Name: The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem captures the essence of a sailor's longing for adventure and the call of the sea. It begins with a vivid depiction of the wind, which stirs the speaker's heart and ignites a desire to set sail. The imagery of the wind, the sound of the cordage, and the groaning timbers evoke the sensory experience of being on a ship, highlighting the thrill and danger of maritime life. The speaker addresses fellow sailors, urging them to prepare for departure. There is a sense of camaraderie as they are encouraged to share a drink and toast to their fate, acknowledging the inevitability of death that accompanies their journey. The wind is personified as a force that commands respect, representing both the allure and peril of the ocean. As the poem progresses, the theme of mortality becomes more pronounced. The sailors are aware that their adventure may lead to death, yet they embrace this reality with a sense of bravery and acceptance. The wind, described as a powerful and ruling force, symbolizes the uncontrollable nature of life at sea, where the sailors must confront their fate. The work ultimately reflects on the duality of adventure and danger, celebrating the spirit of exploration while recognizing the risks involved. The sailors' resolve to face death with courage underscores the poem's exploration of human existence in the face of nature's might. The call to action resonates with a timeless appeal, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they make in the pursuit of freedom and adventure.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Romanticism · 186 words

First lines

THE wind blew shrill and smart, And the wind awoke my heart Again to go a-sailing o'er the sea, To hear the cordage moan And the straining timbers groan, And to see the flying pennon lie a-lee.

O sailor of the fleet, It is time to stir the feet! It's time to man the dingy and to row! It's lay your hand in mine And it's empty down the wine, And it's drain a health to death before we go!

To death, my lads, we sail; And it's death that blows the gale And death that holds the tiller as we ride.

For he's the king of all In the tempest and the squall, And the ruler of the Ocean wild and wide!

What this Textopian page supports

The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1892 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Romanticism, Nautical Fiction, Existentialism
Length: 186 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
Adventure — The themes of sailing and the sea suggest a sense of adventure and exploration.
Romanticism — The emotional expression and connection to nature align with Romantic literary themes.
Nautical Fiction — The focus on sailing and maritime elements indicates a strong connection to nautical themes.