Two swimmers wrestled on the spar
Until the morning sun,
When one turned smiling to the land.
O God, the other one!
The stray ships passing spied a face
Upon the waters borne,
With eyes in death still begging raised,
And hands beseeching thrown.
Two swimmers wrestled on the spar
Summary
The poem describes a dramatic and haunting scene of two swimmers struggling in the water until sunrise. As day breaks, one swimmer turns smiling toward the shore, possibly signifying survival or triumph, while ominously hinting that tragedy has befallen the other. The narrative shifts to a broader perspective, where passing ships witness the body of the second swimmer, lifeless on the water's surface. The imagery of the deceased swimmer with eyes still pleading and hands outstretched suggests desperation and a poignant end to the struggle. Overall, the poem explores themes of survival, loss, and the stark contrast between life and death.Read Online
