Later
By Edwin John Dove Pratt
Was that a cry you say you heard?
Where? No. The winds would drown it quite.
No sound would reach the shore to-night,
Except the scream of some wild bird.
A flash, you say, that cut the rain
Like a red knife? It could not be;
There's nothing living in this sea.
Don't look so frightened. What — again?
The lifeboat! They are hailing me.
They need a man for the stern oar;
The wind drives dead upon this shore,
A rudder's helpless in this sea.
Poem Analysis:
Edwin John Dove Pratt's poem "Later" is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of uncertainty, fear, and the relentless power of nature. Through its vivid imagery and tense atmosphere, the poem captures the sense of foreboding and urgency that accompanies a stormy night at sea. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
Atmosphere of Uncertainty
The poem opens with a sense of uncertainty as the speaker responds to a cry heard in the night. The repetition of "you say" emphasizes the ambiguity of the situation and suggests that the cry may be imagined or mistaken. The speaker dismisses the possibility of hearing anything over the howling winds, creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability in the face of the storm.
Imagery of Nature's Fury
As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes increasingly vivid and ominous. The description of a flash cutting through the rain "like a red knife" evokes a sense of danger and violence, suggesting the destructive power of the storm. The speaker's assertion that "There's nothing living in this sea" further emphasizes the desolation and hostility of the environment, where even the sea itself seems to be a malevolent force.
Tension and Fear
The tension in the poem mounts as the speaker's companion becomes increasingly frightened by the events unfolding around them. The repetition of "What — again?" suggests a sense of disbelief or incredulity at the escalating situation. The arrival of the lifeboat and the urgent call for assistance heighten the sense of danger and urgency, as the speaker is called upon to aid in the rescue effort.
Theme of Resilience
Despite the fear and uncertainty of the storm, the poem also conveys a sense of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The speaker's calm reassurance to their companion and their readiness to assist in the rescue effort demonstrate a willingness to confront danger and take action in the midst of crisis. The final lines underscore the urgency of the situation, as the wind drives relentlessly upon the shore and a rudder is rendered helpless in the storm-tossed sea.
"Later" by Edwin John Dove Pratt is a gripping and atmospheric poem that captures the tension and uncertainty of a stormy night at sea. Through its vivid imagery and tense atmosphere, the poem conveys the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the resilience and determination required to confront adversity. Pratt's evocative language and imagery create a sense of urgency and danger that resonates with readers, inviting them to contemplate the fragility of human existence in the face of the elemental forces of the natural world.
