Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
First published in 1889 and placed by Tennyson's own instruction at the end of every collected edition of his work. One of the most widely read poems at funerals and memorial services.
This poem is in the public domain. Free to download for personal use.
If this poem has brought you comfort, you may wish to support one of the charities listed here.