The Sea-Wife (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

The Sea-Wife

By Rudyard Kipling

There dwells a wife by the Northern Gate,

    And a wealthy wife is she;

She breeds a breed o' rovin' men

    And casts them over sea,

And some are drowned in deep water,

    And some in sight o' shore.

And word goes back to the weary wife,

    And ever she sends more.

For since that wife had gate and gear,

    And hearth and garth and bield,

She willed her sons to the white harvest,

    And that is a bitter yield.

She wills her sons to the wet ploughing,

    To ride the horse of tree;

And syne her sons come home again

    Far-spent from out the sea.

The good wife's sons come home again

    With little into their hands,

But the lore of men that ha' dealt with men

    In the new and naked lands.

But the faith of men that ha' brothered men

    By more than the easy breath,

And the eyes o' men that ha' read wi' men

    In the open books of death.

Rich are they, rich in wonders seen,

    But poor in the goods o' men,

So what they ha' got by the skin o' their teeth

    They sell for their teeth again.

For whether they lose to the naked skin,

    Or win to their hearts' desire,

They tell it all to the weary wife

    That nods beside the fire.

Her hearth is wide to every wind

    That makes the white ash spin;

And tide and tide and 'tween the tides

    Her sons go out and in;

(Out with great mirth that do desire

    Hazard of trackless ways,

In with content to wait their watch

    And warm before the blaze);

And some return by failing light,

    And some in waking dream,

For she hears the heels of the dripping ghosts

    That ride the rough roof-beam.

Home, they come home from all the ports,

    The living and the dead;

The good wife's sons come home again

    For her blessing on their head!

Poem Analysis:

"The Sea-Wife" by Rudyard Kipling is a poignant poem that tells the story of a resilient woman who lives by the Northern Gate and endures the challenges and uncertainties of having a family of seafaring sons. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Kipling explores themes of sacrifice, separation, and the unwavering bond between a mother and her sons.

1. A Wealthy Wife's Sacrifice: The poem introduces us to a wealthy wife who resides by the Northern Gate. Her wealth is not measured in material possessions but in the courage and determination she instills in her sons. She breeds sons who are destined to be "rovin' men" and sends them out to sea, aware of the risks involved. This act of sending her sons into the unknown is her sacrifice for the greater good.
2. A Cycle of Loss and Resilience: The poem depicts a cyclical pattern of departure and return. Some of the sons are lost at sea, either drowned or never seen again. Despite these heartbreaking losses, the wife continues to send more sons out to sea. This cycle of loss and resilience reflects the harsh realities faced by families whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
3. The Bitter Harvest: The wife's determination to send her sons to sea is described as yielding a "bitter harvest." While she hopes for her sons' success, she knows that the life of a sailor is fraught with danger and uncertainty. The phrase "bitter harvest" suggests the emotional toll this decision takes on her, as well as the sorrow she endures each time she sends her sons away.
4. Lore of the Sea and the Bonds of Brotherhood: Despite the hardships and losses, the sons return home with valuable experiences and knowledge. They bring back the "lore of men" and the "faith of men" who have encountered the challenges and dangers of the open sea. This education equips them with a unique perspective on life, brotherhood, and the resilience of the human spirit.
5. Rich in Experience, Poor in Material Wealth: Kipling contrasts the sons' wealth in experiences with their material poverty. They return with stories, memories, and lessons learned from their voyages, but they often lack tangible riches. This contrast emphasizes the idea that the true wealth of life lies in the depth of one's experiences and the wisdom gained from them.
6. The Weary Wife's Unwavering Support: Throughout the poem, the wife is portrayed as a steadfast and supportive figure. She remains at home, waiting and tending to the hearth, while her sons venture out into the world. Her resilience and unwavering support are evident as she listens to their stories and welcomes them back with open arms, offering her blessing on their return.

"The Sea-Wife" by Rudyard Kipling is a moving exploration of the sacrifices made by a mother for the sake of her sons' livelihoods. It delves into the emotional complexities of family bonds, loss, and the enduring spirit of those who face the challenges of life at sea. Through its evocative imagery and themes of sacrifice and resilience, the poem offers a touching portrayal of the human experience in the face of adversity.