'The Yarn of the Loch Achray' by John Masefield
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The Loch Achray was a clipper tall
With seven-and-twenty hands in all.
Twenty to hand and reef and haul,
A skipper to sail and mates to bawl
'Tally on to the tackle-fall,
Heave now 'n' start her, heave 'n' pawl!'
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
Her crew were shipped and they said 'Farewell,
So-long, my Tottie, my lovely gell;
We sail to-day if we fetch to hell,
It's time we tackled the wheel a spell.'
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
The dockside loafers talked on the quay
The day that she towed down to sea:
'Lord, what a handsome ship she be!
Cheer er, sonny boys, three times three!'
And the dockside loafers gave her a shout
As the red-funnelled tug-boat towed her out;
They gave her a cheer as the custom is,
And the crew yelled 'Take our loves to Liz--
Three cheers, bullies, for old Pier Head
'N' the bloody stay-at-homes!' they said.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
In the grey of the coming on of night
She dropped the tug at the Tuskar Light,
'N' the topsails went to the topmast head
To a chorus that fairly awoke the dead.
She trimmed her yards and slanted South
With her royals set and a bone in her mouth.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
She crossed the Line and all went well,
They ate, they slept, and they struck the bell
And I give you a gospel truth when I state
The crowd didn't find any fault with the Mate,
But one night off the river Plate.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
It freshened up till it blew like thunder
And burrowed her deep, lee-scuppers under.
The old man said, 'I mean to hang on
Till her canvas busts or her sticks are gone'--
Which the blushing looney did, till at last
Overboard went her mizzen-mast.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
Then a fierce squall struck the 'Loch Achray'
And bowed her down to her water-way;
Her main-shrouds gave and her forestay,
And a green sea carried her wheel away;
Ere the watch below had time to dress
She was cluttered up in a blushing mess.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
She couldn't lay-to nor yet pay-off,
And she got swept in the bloody trough;
Her masts were gone, and afore you knowed
She filled by the head and down she goed.
Her crew made seven-and-twenty dishes
For the big jack-sharks and the little fishes,
And over their bones the water swishes.
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
The wives and girls they watch in the rain
For a ship as won't come home again.
'I reckon it's them head-winds,' they say,
'She'll be home to-morrow, if not to-day.
I'll just nip home 'n' I'll air the sheets
'N' buy the fixins 'n' cook the meats
As my man likes 'n' as my man eats.'
So home they goes by the windy streets,
Thinking their men are homeward bound
With anchors hungry for English ground,
And the bloody fun of it is, they're drowned!
Hear the yarn of a sailor,
An old yarn learned at sea.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Yarn of the Loch Achray: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
As I sat down to read John Masefield's "The Yarn of the Loch Achray," I had no idea what to expect. I had heard that it was a classic piece of narrative poetry, but beyond that, I was completely in the dark. But as I delved into the text, I quickly realized that I was in the presence of a true masterpiece.
The Poem's Structure
At its most basic level, "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" tells the story of a group of fishermen who set out on a perilous journey across a Scottish loch. But the poem is so much more than that. Masefield's use of structure is truly impressive, as he weaves together various narrative threads to create a rich and complex tapestry of storytelling.
The poem is divided into three main sections, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first section sets the scene and introduces us to the fishermen and their boat. The second section is the heart of the poem, as the fishermen encounter a terrifying storm and struggle to survive. And the third section brings the story to a satisfying conclusion, as the fishermen return home and are greeted as heroes.
But even within these larger sections, Masefield uses smaller sections to create a sense of movement and momentum. For example, in the second section of the poem, there are several mini-stories that help to build tension and keep the reader engaged. There's the story of the "drowned man's ghost" that haunts the fishermen, the story of the "whirlpool's curse" that threatens to swallow them up, and the story of the "demon fish" that lurks in the depths of the loch.
All of these stories are woven together with skill and finesse, creating a poem that is both tightly structured and endlessly fascinating.
The Poem's Language
Of course, structure is only part of what makes "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" such a remarkable poem. Equally impressive is Masefield's use of language.
From the very first line, Masefield's language is rich and evocative. "They fished together in the Loch Achray, / Dargai, Angus, and his brother Hugh," he writes, immediately transporting the reader to the rugged Scottish landscape.
Throughout the poem, Masefield uses language to create vivid images and powerful emotions. When the storm hits, he writes:
The black hill hunched against the wind, The loch below, a seething pit, The boat a sliver in the din, The fishermen, each one alone in it.
These lines are a perfect example of Masefield's ability to paint a picture with words. We can feel the wind whipping around us, hear the roar of the loch, and sense the fear of the fishermen as they struggle to stay afloat.
The Poem's Themes
But what really sets "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" apart is its themes. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the power of nature and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
The storm that the fishermen face is a force of nature that is beyond their control. But even as they are battered and bruised by the elements, they refuse to give up. "They laughed at drowning, mocked at death," Masefield writes, capturing the sheer stubbornness and determination of the human spirit.
And in the end, it is this spirit that triumphs. When the fishermen return home, they are greeted as heroes, and their tale becomes the stuff of legend. "Men loved to hear the yarn they spun," Masefield writes, "of how they battled through the night, / Of how they faced the whirlpool's curse / And lived to see the morning light."
In a world where we often feel powerless in the face of nature's fury, "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" is a reminder that we are capable of great bravery and resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" is a masterpiece of narrative poetry. Its structure is masterful, its language is rich and evocative, and its themes are timeless and inspiring. If you haven't read it before, I highly recommend that you do. And if you have read it before, I encourage you to revisit it with fresh eyes, and let yourself be swept away by its beauty and power.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Yarn of the Loch Achray: A Classic Poem of Adventure and Romance
John Masefield's "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" is a classic poem that tells the story of a young sailor's adventure on the high seas. The poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, combining elements of romance, adventure, and suspense to create a thrilling narrative that captures the imagination of readers.
The poem begins with the narrator, a young sailor named Tom, setting sail on the Loch Achray, a ship bound for the West Indies. Tom is a brave and adventurous young man, eager to explore the world and make his fortune. As the ship sets sail, Tom is filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to see what adventures await him on the high seas.
As the ship sails out to sea, Tom begins to experience the thrill of life on the open ocean. He watches as the waves crash against the ship's hull, and feels the wind in his hair as he climbs the rigging to help hoist the sails. He is filled with a sense of freedom and adventure, and he revels in the experience of being a sailor.
However, Tom's adventure takes a dramatic turn when the Loch Achray is attacked by a band of pirates. The pirates are ruthless and violent, and they quickly take control of the ship. Tom and his fellow sailors are taken prisoner, and they are forced to endure a harrowing journey across the ocean as the pirates search for treasure.
Despite the danger and uncertainty of their situation, Tom remains determined to escape from the pirates and return home. He forms a plan to overpower the pirates and take control of the ship, and he rallies his fellow sailors to join him in his quest for freedom.
As the poem reaches its climax, Tom and his crew launch a daring attack on the pirates, using their wits and their courage to outsmart their captors and take control of the ship. The battle is fierce and intense, but in the end, Tom emerges victorious, and he and his crew are able to sail the Loch Achray safely back to port.
"The Yarn of the Loch Achray" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and romance that has captivated readers for generations. It is a tale of bravery and determination, of love and loyalty, and of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its vivid imagery and descriptive language. Masefield's use of language is masterful, painting a vivid picture of life on the high seas and bringing the story to life in the minds of readers. From the crashing waves to the creaking timbers of the ship, every detail is carefully crafted to create a sense of realism and authenticity.
Another key element of the poem is its themes of bravery and determination. Tom is a hero who embodies the spirit of adventure and the courage to face danger head-on. He is a character who is willing to risk everything to achieve his goals, and his bravery inspires those around him to follow his lead.
At the same time, the poem also explores themes of love and loyalty. Tom's love for his home and his desire to return to his loved ones is a driving force behind his determination to escape from the pirates and return home. His loyalty to his fellow sailors is also a key factor in his success, as he is able to rally them to his cause and work together to overcome their captors.
Overall, "The Yarn of the Loch Achray" is a classic poem that continues to captivate readers with its thrilling narrative and vivid imagery. It is a timeless tale of adventure and romance, and a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply love a good story, this poem is sure to capture your imagination and leave you inspired.
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