John Masefield (1 June 1878 – 12 May 1967 / Herefordshire / England)

Even though this poem could not be published because of Copyright laws, we have read this alluring poem so often, that it is written into memory heart and soul; we also have a tall ship and a star to steer her by.

A must read for all sailors. This poem defines how we feel so perfectly. If you ARE a sailor please read Ode to Diana.

Well, I like the poem for its melody. I could feel the happiness of a sailor who goes to the sea because of a call of duty and love of sailing.

This is my favourite EVER poem! ! :)
It was my great-grandfather's favourite too. He taught it to my gran and her siblings when she was a kid, and when he died they had the line 'and a quiet sleep and a sweet dream' engraved on his headstone.

can anyone assist me and advise when my LP record of John Masefield reciting his poems would have been recorded, I suspect sometime in the late 50s, it is put out by caedmon records number TC1147. Mike

I note with interest the comment that the wording of the opening stanza does not include the word GO, I have the good fortune to have J M's LP record put out by Caedmon literary series produced by Plilips NZ.
Jm reads his own poems and I have just listened to it again and he clearly says' I must GO down'in every instance, this is as we taught at school also, it must be an old record, very clear, enunciation excellent, lovely to listen to, Michael Fiji

It reminds me of my boyhood and I can smell the sea and hear the gulls when I read it

This has a serious misquote. All stanzas begin, 'I must down to the seas again.'
There's no 'go.'

I, too, can relate.
There are places and experiences I remember that I long for full-heartedly.

I can relate so well.
I, too, have my full-hearted longings for some places and experiences.