The Poetry Corner

The Hungry Sea

By William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

Down to the sea, the hungry sea, O the sea is hungry ever! Seeking food for the bairns and me, Seeking food in the hungry sea; O the sea is hungry ever! My man and my lad--their bones are white, O the sea is hungry ever! Into the maw of the grim black night, Their hearts were bold and their faces bright; O the sea is hungry ever! The sun was red and the clouds were black, O the sea is hungry ever! And the sky was heavy with flying wrack, When forth they fared,--and they came not back; O the sea is hungry ever! Forth they fared and they came not back, O the sea is hungry ever! O, I fear the sea, and I hate the sea, That took my man and my lad from me; O the sea is hungry ever!