Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Crossing the Bar: Video Explanation
Crossing the Bar Summary
“Crossing the Bar” was written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in 1889, when he was 80 years old. He composed the poem during a ferry ride to the Isle of Wight, inspired by the serene beauty of the sunset and the sea. It reflects his thoughts on mortality and the transition from life to death.
The poem was first published in the same year, 1889, in the collection Demeter and Other Poems. Tennyson himself placed great personal importance on this work. He requested that “Crossing the Bar” be placed as the final poem in all editions of his collected works, symbolizing its role as his farewell to life and art.
The poem is about accepting death with peace and faith. The speaker reflects on their journey toward the end of life, comparing it to a ship setting out to sea. They hope the transition will be smooth and calm, without sadness or fear.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes a peaceful scene of sunset and the evening star. These symbols suggest the end of the day and, metaphorically, the end of life. The speaker hears a “clear call,” which represents the call of death. They hope for no sorrow or mourning as they embark on their final journey.
In the second stanza, the speaker compares the sea’s tide to death. They imagine a tide so full and calm that it seems to be asleep. This symbolizes a quiet and natural passing. The tide represents the force that takes them back to their eternal home, the “boundless deep,” which could mean the afterlife or eternity.
In the third stanza, the speaker mentions twilight, evening bells, and darkness, further emphasizing the idea of life’s end. They hope for no sadness or farewells, as death is seen as a natural part of life.
In the final stanza, the speaker expresses hope and faith. Although death may take them far from the world of “Time and Place,” they trust they will meet their “Pilot” face to face. The “Pilot” is often interpreted as God, guiding their soul to the afterlife.
Overall, the poem presents death as a peaceful journey, not something to fear. It conveys a sense of hope, trust, and acceptance, making it a comforting reflection on the end of life.
