S5 E4: “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“Crossing the Bar” is a reflective poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It was first published in 1889, just a few years before the poet’s death. The theme of mortality and the journey from life to death are embedded in these poetic words. “Crossing the Bar” is an extended metaphor to liken death to traversing the “sandbar” that separates the river of life, characterized by its flowing “flood,” from the vast ocean beyond death, referred to as the “boundless deep,” to which we ultimately return.

https://youtu.be/qZU7GcqrRRI?si=yHd5JKTLgUQWc0iq

Tennyson sets the tone in the opening lines as he describes the setting sun and the evening star, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The poet hears a clear call, symbolizing the call of death, and expresses his hope that there will be no obstacles or difficulties when he departs from this world (“no moaning of the bar”).

He then speaks of a tide that seems asleep – a peaceful and gentle movement, not turbulent or agitated. This metaphor suggests a smooth transition from life to death, as the speaker hopes for a serene and calm passage.

As the poem progresses, Tennyson introduces the imagery of twilight, evening bell, and the eventual darkness. These elements symbolize the approach of death and the unknown that lies beyond. Despite the uncertainty, the poet expresses his desire for a farewell free from sadness, indicating his acceptance and peace with the inevitable.

In the final stanza, Tennyson reflects on the journey beyond the boundaries of time and place. He speaks of a flood that may carry him far away, but he still holds hope in his heart. The speaker longs to see his “Pilot face to face” after crossing the metaphorical bar, suggesting his expectancy of meeting the Divine and finding solace in the presence of a guiding force.

“Crossing the Bar” is a deeply contemplative poem that addresses the universal inevitability of death and the unknown journey that follows. Tennyson’s masterful use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense of tranquility, acceptance, and hope amidst the uncertainty of life’s ultimate voyage.

“Crossing the Bar,” offers a key lesson. That is, the importance of acceptance. Tennyson encourages us to embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life’s journey. His use of imagery related to the sea serves as a metaphor for life’s uncertainties, reminding us to navigate our experiences with courage and grace. Ultimately, “Crossing the Bar” teaches us to reflect on our lives, cherish our relationships, and find peace in the face of the unknown.

Thank you for joining me in my reading room,

Rebecca

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Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

The full poem: https://poets.org/poem/memoriam-ring-out-wild-bells

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Thou who stealest fire,
From the fountains of the past,
To glorify the present, oh, haste,
Visit my low desire!
Strengthen me, enlighten me!
I faint in this obscurity,
Thou dewy dawn of memory.

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How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life! Life piled on life
Were all too little, and of one to me

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