Exultation is the going
Of an inland soul to sea,—
Past the houses, past the headlands,
Into deep eternity!
Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?
Setting Sail
Summary
This poem reflects on the profound sense of joy and liberation experienced when an individual transitions from the familiarity of their inland home to the vast, open sea. It describes the journey past domestic comfort and natural landscapes towards a boundless, eternal horizon, drawing a parallel between this physical voyage and the spiritual awakening or enlightenment it inspires. The poem captures the contrast between the known comfort of mountainous inland life and the exhilarating yet mysterious allure of the sea, questioning whether one who is accustomed to land can truly appreciate the powerful, almost divine, thrill of setting sail for the first time. It highlights themes of exploration, freedom, and the transformative power of new experiences.Read Online
