We are in the middle of a sweltering heatwave, and any kind of body of water is welcome, as was the lakeside visit this past weekend. Thank you Chrissie! But it has been years and years since I have seen the ocean, and out of curiosity I checked out some East Coastline views via Google Street-view - which is so much fun. And so, a little wistfully, during my lunch-break at work, I travel along the ocean and seaside roads. This view in particular struck me. Perhaps it is the anticipation of actually seeing the ocean in full - the vast expanse to cross over - and then - finally - there it is.
I Must Go Down to the Sea by John Masefield
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
