"Crossing the Bar" by Tennyson

[ALago1]

This poem caught my eye yet I can't fully grasp it. What I discern is that it is about death - and the horizon out past the sea a metaphor for death. Thus to "cross the bar" is to approach and pass the final horizon of life into death.

Am I way off? What am I missing? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

SUNSET and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness or farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

[Droopy]

1. I think you got it right, ALago1

Looks like it's about somebody going to meet his maker.

[oneighty]

2. U.S. Navy people take this to heart

In the obituary section of a Navy organization quarterly (I am a member) the deceased "Crosses the bar." The bar being an obstruction such as a 'Sand bar' that the sailor cannot cross alive. (As I understand it)

180

[ALago1]

3. Interesting. Thanks for the perspective.

That connotation could very well be the connotation used by the author.

[oneighty]

4. You are welcome

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[Steel City Slim]

5. I Like That