Anchor Song by Rudyard Kipling
The poem captures the essence of maritime life, focusing on the departure of a ship and its crew from the harbor. It employs nautical terminology and imagery to convey the excitement and urgency of setting sail. The crew engages in various tasks, such as adjusting sails and preparing the vessel for the open sea, while bidding farewell to their loved ones onshore. The repeated references to "Mother Carey" symbolize the sea and its nurturing yet unpredictable nature. The crew's longing for adventure contrasts with their attachment to home, highlighting the duality of seafaring life. As they navigate the challenges of the sea, the poem reflects themes of freedom, duty, and the inevitable pull of the ocean. The rhythmic structure and call-and-response style evoke the camaraderie among sailors, emphasizing their shared experiences and the bond formed through their journey. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the thrill of exploration and the bittersweet nature of leaving behind the familiar for the vast unknown, portraying the sea as both a source of sustenance and a formidable force.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Maritime Literature, Adventure · 588 words
First lines
Heh! Walk her round. Heave, ah heave her short again! / Over, snatch her over, there, and hold her on the pawl. / Loose all sail, and brace your yards back and full -- / Ready jib to pay her off and heave short all! / Well, ah fare you well; we can stay no more with you, my love -- / Down, set down your liquor and your girl from off your knee; / For the wind has come to say: / "You must take me while you may, / If you'd go to Mother Carey / (Walk her down to Mother Carey! ), / Oh, we're bound to Mother Carey where she feeds her chicks at sea!"
What this Textopian page supports
Anchor Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Maritime Literature, Adventure, Romanticism, Narrative
- Length: 588 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Anchor Song by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Maritime Literature — The themes and setting revolve around seafaring, navigation, and the life of sailors.
- Adventure — The narrative conveys a sense of adventure and exploration associated with the sea.
- Romanticism — The emotional connection to nature and the sea reflects romantic themes.
Tags
nautical · sea · sailing · adventure · journey · farewell · ocean · maritime · Kipling · poetry · exploration · wind