To many, John Masefield is simply known as the poet who wrote about the sea. Some also know him as one of the Poet Laureates. It is certain however that one is not appointed Poet Laureate by simply writing verse about ships, salt water, and wind.
It would be far better, if it is needed to describe Masefield in very few words, to call him the poet who wrote of beauty and experience.
It is interesting to note that although among the ‘general public’, Masefield’s poems of sea and ships are well known, the poet himself in fact spent only a very small part of his life aboard ship. Further, it may surprise many to discover that sea life did not suit Masefield and on his second voyage, he deserted ship to find work as a land-lubber in New York City.
Masefield was born in the town of Ledbury, surrounded by beautiful countryside in the region of Herefordshire, England, on June 1, 1878. This picturesque area, located near the border of Wales, was described by Masefield as his ‘Paradise’. As a young boy, Masefield was able to roam his nearby countryside, delighting in watching the ships moving up and down the local canal; wandering alone through the meadows and woods; and taking an interest in and observing the beauty of the natural flora and fauna of the area.
Although the natural surroundings were beautiful to Masefield, he encountered several tragedies early in his life. At the age of 6, his mother passed away shortly after giving birth to John’s youngest sister, Norah. Fourteen months later, both of his then living Grandparents passed away, and in 1890, his father suffered a mental breakdown, the family was required to hospitalize him. A year later, he also passed away.
The responsibility for the upbringing of the orphaned Masefield children was taken on by an Aunt and Uncle who had no experience of children or the necessary finances to continue the expensive schooling John had enjoyed. Further, to the irritation of John who by this age had become very fond of...
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