Sea Fever....

by John Masefield (from Salt-Water Ballads, 1902)

Siquijor

 I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
 

Calatagan

 And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray dawn breaking.
 

Calatagan

I must down go to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
 

Siquijor

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

Biri Island, Samar

 I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
 

Biri Island, Samar

 And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Calatagan

The sea for most is a sanctuary from a fast-paced life....longing for that serene moment, just the blues and greens and relaxing sound of the frolicking waves. It offers relief to a stressed-out soul, the weary eyes and tired feet...yet for me it’s more than the calm shores and the breezy air. The sea beckons my inner wild spirit, the curious mind and adventurous heart.  

Siquijor

When the tide ceases, the bare sand and rocks may seem washed out and uninviting.  Looking closely, it’s actually a banquet, a snapshot or a teaser for what’s out there in the ocean floor.  Looking closely you’ll see, that the rocks and wet sand are teeming with life.   Like a window that educates a curious mind.  

Apo Island, Negros

When the tide is high, Mother Nature may let you swim in peace.   But beware when the tempest comes. For that time, the sea commands respect. Yes, commands it for the sea can be ruthless sometimes, treacherous even…..mesmerizing one moment and then pulling you under the next.

Apo Island, Negros Oriental

For the sea should be valued for its beauty, and respected for its might…