SOUTH

SOUTH

Motivated by a deep sense of longing to return to the islands, the poet recaptures

in his memory delightful scenes of his native land. He recalls the bright beaches,

the fishermen’s houses and the sound of the sea which heralded his birth.

The poet has journeyed from the islands to distant lands where his experiences

have been different from those in the islands. He has visited stormy cities, felt

the sharp slanting sleet and hail and the oppressive shadows of the forest.

These are opposed to the warmth of the islands, and the salty brine of the sea.

To the poet, the ocean that surrounds the islands is a symbol of adventure, the

freedom of the spirit and the limitless possibilities which reside in its vastness.

In his view, the rivers that form part of his present environs remind him of a life

that lacks purpose – he feels resentment for the rivers.

He recalls the refreshing memories of the sea which reflect the harmony between

man and nature. He sees the shells, the fishermen’s houses, the pebbled path,

the fish and the gulls and the white sails. These are the treasures of the islands

which he recaptures in the poem. These are the treasures which make him

forget the pains, the sorrows and the hatred.

Answer these Questions

1. State briefly what the poem is about.

2. Where is the experience taking place?

3. Select two images in the poem.

To which sense does each appeal?

4. Select those expressions which show the poet’s experiences of hardship.

5. Which literary device does the poet use in each of the following?

‘bright beaches blue’

‘sharp slanting sleet’

‘their flowing runs on like our longing’

‘splash’

‘white sails slanted seaward’

6. What is the mood or feeling of the poet?