Salt Water Laureate

In my early school years A favourite Poet of mine Was the great John Masefield. Born in the nineteenth century, A British seaman and writer of Salt-Water Ballads...his work Contained great rhythm and rhyme. Sea Fever and Cargoes, Two of his best, will be read And enjoyed through all time. He described his deep feelings and His wishes - may I quote a few lines? 'I long to go down to the seas again To the lonely sea and the sky. And all I ask is a tall ship and A star to steer her by.' John Masefield died whilst he was Poet Laureate, nineteen sixty-seven. And for all the pleasure he gave on earth May he rest well in the Portals of Heaven.