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What does the first stanza of The Sea by James Reeves mean?

In "The Sea" by James Reeves, the first stanza sets the tone and introduces the main theme of the poem: the sea's vastness, power, and allure. Here's a detailed analysis of the stanza:

1. "Far away the sea is calling, calling, calling": The repetition of the word "calling" emphasizes the insistent and persistent nature of the sea's beckoning. It creates a sense of longing and desire within the speaker, drawing them towards the sea.

2. "The salt is on my lips, and the wind is in my hair": These sensations suggest that the speaker is close to the sea, perhaps standing on the shore or sailing upon it. The taste of salt on the lips and the wind in the hair evoke a physical connection to the sea, immersing the reader in the experience.

3. "The sun is in my eyes, and the waves are in my ears": The sun and the waves are two prominent features of the seaside environment. The sun's glare and the sound of crashing waves further enhance the sensory experience of being near the sea.

4. "I must go, I must go, where the seagulls fly and cry": The speaker feels compelled to respond to the sea's call, driven by a deep desire to be surrounded by its beauty and power. The seagulls, soaring and crying above the sea, symbolize freedom, adventure, and the untamed spirit of the ocean.

Overall, the first stanza of "The Sea" creates a vivid picture of the seaside and conveys the speaker's intense longing for the sea. It establishes a sense of urgency and anticipation, setting the stage for the rest of the poem to explore the allure and mystique of the sea.

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