Homeward Bound-William Allingham

HOMEWARD BOUND

Head the ship for England!

Shake out every sail!

Blithe leap the billows,

 Merry sings the gale;

Captain, work the reck'ning,

How many knots a day?-

Round the world and home again,

That's the sailor's way!


We've traded with the Yankees,

Brazilians, and Chinese;

We've laughed with dusky beauties

In shade of tall palm-trees;

Across the Line and Gulf-Stream-

Round by Table Bay-

Everywhere and home again,

That's the sailor's way!


Nightly stands the North Star 

Higher on our bow;

Straight we run for England;

Our thoughts are in it now.

Jolly time with friends ashore,

When we've drawn our pay!-

All about and home again,

That's the sailor's way!


WILLIAM ALLINGHAM


Summary: 'Homeward Bound' by William Allingham is a spirited and joyful poem that encapsulates the essence of a sailor's longing for home. The poem opens with the resounding command to 'Head the ship for England!' as the sailors eagerly prepare to set sail. The ship's sails are shaken out and with a buoyant wind at their back, they traverse the waves with mirthful exuberance.

The captain is instructed to calculate their progress by determining the number of knots they travel each day. Their journey has taken them across the globe, engaging in trade with the Yankees, Brazilians, and Chinese. They have found amusement and companionship with beautiful women under the shade of towering palm trees. From crossing the equator and the Gulf Stream to sailing round Table Bay, their adventures have spanned far and wide. Yet, their ultimate aim is to return home, as that is the true calling of a sailor.

The guiding presence of the North Star stands tall in the right sky, guiding their ship ever closer to England. Thoughts of their homeland consume their minds, and they eagerly anticipate the joyful reunion with friends and loved ones. The anticipation of drawing their wages and indulging in jolly times ashore fills their hearts with excitement. They look forward to recounting their tales of circumnavigation, relishing in the camaraderie and warmth of familiar faces.

In essence, 'Homeward Bound' celebrates the spirit of the sailor, their intrepid journeys, and their unwavering longing for home. It captures the essence of the sailor's way - the thrilling adventures undertaken around the world, but ultimately always returning to the cherished embrace of their homeland.

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