5 Must-Read John Masefield Poems

John Masefield was an English poet who served as Poet Laureate of the U.K. from 1930 to 1967. He’s well regarded for poems like ‘Sea-Fever.’ This is one of several that deals with natural themes. His collections include Salt-Water Ballads and Philip the King and Other Poems. He also wrote prose fiction, plays, and non-fiction works.

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The Dead Knight

‘The Dead Knight’ by John Masefield is a timeless reflection on heroism and mortality.

This poem, though not reaching the zenith of Masefield's prowess as in Salt Water Ballads, adeptly showcases his ability to weave a very universal theme of life on earth and what after that in a very individual context, making it a noteworthy contribution within the context of his literary endeavors.

The cleanly rush of the mountain air,

And the mumbling, grumbling humble-bees,

Are the only things that wander there,

The pitiful bones are laid at ease,

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Sea Fever

‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield depicts the speaker’s passion for the sea and longing for a sailor’s adventurous lifestyle.

John Masefield’s poem ‘Sea Fever’ is one of his most famous works, capturing his deep love for the sea. It expresses a strong desire to return to the ocean, showing how much he values the freedom of a sailor’s life. This poem is widely known and studied, making it one of his best and most enduring pieces of poetry.

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.

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Cargoes

‘Cargoes’ by John Masefield is an interesting, short poem showing how ships and their cargo have changed throughout history.

John Masefield’s poetry often takes readers on journeys through maritime history, painting rich pictures of seafaring life. In ‘Cargoes,’ he contrasts the romantic image of ancient ships with the stark reality of modern, industrial ones, capturing the essence of change over time. While 'Sea Fever' might be his most famous, this poem is widely appreciated for its unique look at history, showing his talent for creating engaging and memorable scenes.

Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir,

Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine,

With a cargo of ivory,

And apes and peacocks,

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Laugh and be Merry

‘Laugh and be Merry’ urges the reader to live their life with joy and show appreciation for the world around them.

While this is a well-known example of Masefield's work, it is not a very good example of his work. Masefield's work often dealt with the reality of life in an unsentimental way that is not in keeping with the tone of this poem. He also often wrote about his experiences at sea as a merchant seaman. None of these hallmarks of his work are on display in this poem, which means that it cannot really be seen as a good example of his work, despite its fame.

Laugh and be merry, remember, better the world with a song,

Better the world with a blow in the teeth of a wrong.

Laugh, for the time is brief, a thread the length of a span.

Laugh and be proud to belong to the old proud pageant of man.

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On Eastnor Knoll

Masefield’s ‘On Eastnor Knoll’ lyrically depicts the tranquil transition from day to night, celebrating nature’s timeless beauty.

Silent are the woods, and the dim green boughs are

Hushed in the twilight: yonder, in the path through

The apple orchard, is a tired plough-boy

Calling the cows home.

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5 Must-Read John Masefield Poems

The Dead Knight

Sea Fever

Cargoes

Laugh and be Merry

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