A Night At Dago Tom's

by John Masefield — a poem card from Justes Mots

Masefield's working-class narrative captures a rollicking night of shore leave—sailors dancing, drinking rum, and sharing maritime yarns at a waterfront tavern. Written in vernacular dialect with rhythmic energy, the poem celebrates camaraderie, simple pleasures, and seafaring culture. It suits those honoring friendship, nostalgic memories, or the romance of maritime life.

Oh yesterday, I t'ink it was, while cruisin' down the street,
I met with Bill. "Hullo," he says, "let's give the girls a treat."
We'd red bandanas round our necks 'n' our shrouds new rattled down,
So we filled a couple of Santy Cruz and cleared for Sailor Town.

We scooted south with a press of sail till we fetched to a caboose,
The "Sailor's Rest," by Dago Tom, alongside "Paddy's Goose."
Red curtains to the windies, ay, 'n' white sand to the floor,…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection