Poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)




Calm at Sea.

 

    Silence deep rules o'er the waters,

    Calmly slumb'ring lies the main,
    While the sailor views with trouble

    Nought but one vast level plain.

    Not a zephyr is in motion!

    Silence fearful as the grave!
    In the mighty waste of ocean

    Sunk to rest is ev'ry wave.

 

 

More information on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 **Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring





Poetry by Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2021-03-15 at 00:00

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josephus The PoetBay support member heart!
In the age of sail, calms we’re not viewed as pleasant. A calm extended the voyage and possibly reduced food and water alarmingly. The ocean’s never “calm”. There is always a movement in the water that torments the sails and rigging as all sails are out to catch any breeze they rattle and slam as the boat moves in the irregular motion of the sea state.
2021-03-17


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Wonderful! Thank you so much for elucidating this little mystery for me, Thomas! :)

Isabelle
2021-03-15



Translated by Edgar Alfred Bowring.
2021-03-15


one trick pony The PoetBay support member heart!
the calm before the storm
2021-03-15



Just curious: who was the translator?
2021-03-15