Cape Horn Gospel

by John Masefield — a poem card from Justes Mots

A sailor's ghost humorously complains about the afterlife beneath the sea, populated by mermaids and shipwrecks, lamenting it as unfit for Christians. Masefield blends maritime folklore with dark comedy and conversational vernacular. The poem appeals to those appreciating ribald seafaring humor and the supernatural.

"I'm a-weary of them there mermaids," Says old Bill's ghost to me, "It ain't no place for Christians, Below there, under sea. For it's all blown sands and shipwrecks And old bones eaten bare, And them cold fishy females With long green weeds for hair."…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · sympathy