Sea Fever
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.
This well known poem was a favourite of my grandfather and because it was one of the first poems I got to know (and because it recognises the wonder of scudding clouds) it’s one of my favourites too. Earlier this year I spent a week exploring the Isle of Skye, from where this photo was taken. Like many people I’m drawn to islands and have many more on my list yet to visit. I love that magical space at the edge of the land, where one can cast an eye across a sweep of ocean, listen to the heartbeat of the sea, take a deep breath, and feel rejuvenated.
Thank you for supporting Laura’s Loom in 2021. I couldn’t run it without you! Your comments and feedback are invaluable and very much appreciated. Knowing that so many folk value what I create makes it all worthwhile. It’s also really satisfying to be able to return to my farms year after year and tell the farmers that, yes, I’m still persevering, still banging the drum trying to persuade more people that our British wools are fabulous, are so highly versatile, make the most beautiful cloth, and should be much more highly valued. Your support of my business means I can continue to do my bit to push that message ‘out there’.
It’s definitely been an odd couple of years, and for many it’s been a sad and difficult time, but I hope the New Year brings you good health, safe passage, and a chance to be with your loved ones. Wherever you wish to go in 2022, I hope you get there.
Warmest wishes,
Laura
