[Poem] CROSSING THE BAR - An old sailor reflects on approaching death with calm acceptance and faith in divine reunion.

Overview of "Crossing the Bar"

"Crossing the Bar" is a poignant poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era. This poem was composed in 1889, just three years before Tennyson's death, and it reflects on themes of mortality, transition, and faith. The metaphorical language used throughout the poem compares the experience of dying to that of a sailor embarking on a final journey across a sandbar into the vast, open sea.

Stanza-by-Stanza Explanation

First Stanza:

The poem opens with the lines: "Sunset and evening star, / And one clear call for me!" These lines set the scene at dusk, symbolizing the end of life. The "evening star" is often associated with Venus, which appears in the sky during twilight, marking the transition from day to night. Here, it signifies the poet's awareness of his impending death. The "clear call" suggests a summons or an inevitable destiny awaiting him.

Tennyson then expresses a wish: "And may there be no moaning of the bar, / When I put out to sea," where "the bar" refers to a sandbar at the mouth of a harbor. A turbulent crossing over the bar could indicate a difficult or painful departure from life. Thus, he hopes for a peaceful transition without distress or resistance.

Second Stanza:

In this stanza, Tennyson describes the ideal conditions for his departure: "But such a tide as moving seems asleep, / Too full for sound and foam," suggesting a calm and quiet tide. The tranquility of the water implies a serene passage into the afterlife, free from turmoil. The phrase "Too full for sound and foam" indicates that the ocean is so vast and deep that its movements are almost imperceptible, much like the gentle nature of death he envisions.

He continues: "When that which drew from out the boundless deep / Turns again home." This line can be interpreted as the soul returning to its origin—the "boundless deep" representing the infinite source of life or the divine. It suggests a cyclical journey where the soul departs from its earthly existence to reunite with its spiritual source.

Third Stanza:

Tennyson shifts focus slightly in the third stanza: "Twilight and evening bell, / And after that the dark!" Here, "twilight" and the "evening bell" further emphasize the closing of the day, paralleling the end of life. The "dark" represents death itself, an unknown yet inevitable phase. Despite the somber imagery, there is acceptance rather than fear.

Again, Tennyson reiterates his hope: "And may there be no sadness of farewell, / When I embark;" expressing his desire for a departure devoid of sorrow. He wishes for those left behind to accept his passing with grace and peace, mirroring his own calm acceptance of death.

Fourth Stanza:

The final stanza encapsulates the core message of the poem: "For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place / The flood may bear me far," where "bourne" means boundary or limit. Life is confined within the boundaries of time and space, but death transcends these limits, carrying the soul beyond known realms.

Tennyson concludes with profound faith: "I hope to see my Pilot face to face / When I have crost the bar." The "Pilot" is a metaphor for God or a higher power guiding the soul through life’s journey. By hoping to meet the Pilot "face to face," Tennyson conveys his belief in an afterlife where he will encounter divine presence directly, signifying ultimate reunion and understanding.

Themes and Symbolism

• Mortality: The entire poem revolves around the theme of mortality, using the metaphor of a sea voyage to depict the transition from life to death.
• Transition: Crossing the bar symbolizes moving from the known world of life into the mysterious realm of the afterlife.
• Faith and Acceptance: Tennyson’s unwavering hope and lack of fear reflect his deep faith and acceptance of death as a natural part of existence.
• Nature Imagery: Elements like sunset, evening star, tide, and twilight are used effectively to create a serene and reflective atmosphere, underscoring the inevitability and beauty of the end-of-life journey.

Conclusion

"Crossing the Bar" stands as a testament to Alfred, Lord Tennyson's philosophical musings on life and death. Through vivid imagery and metaphors drawn from nature and seafaring, the poem captures the essence of a peaceful transition from life to the afterlife. It offers solace and reassurance, not only to the poet himself but also to readers who contemplate their own mortality. With its universal themes and profound insights, "Crossing the Bar" remains a timeless piece that resonates deeply with audiences across generations.