Departure and Arrival

Poem:  Departure and Arrival by T. S. Eliot

Standing upon the shore of all we know
We linger for a moment doubtfully,
Then with a song upon our lips, sail we
Across the harbor bar--no chart to show
No light to warn of rocks which lie below,
But let us yet put forth courageously,
Although the path be tortuous and slow,
Although it bristles with a thousand fears,
To hopeful eye of youth it still appears
A lane by which the rose and hawthorn grow
We hope it may be, would that we might know;
Would we might look into the future years.

Great duties call--the twentieth century
More grandly dowered than those which came before,
Summons--who knows what time may hold in store
Or what great deed the distant years may see,
What conquest over pain and misery,
What heroes greater than were ever of yore.

But if this century is to be most great
Than those before, her sons must make her so
And we are of her sons, and we must go
With eager hearts to help mould well her fate,
And see that she shall gain such proud estate
And shall on future centuries bestow.

A legacy of benefits--may we
In future years be found with those who try
To labour for the good until they die,
And ask no other question than to know
That they have helped the cause to victory,
That with their aid the flag is raised in high.

Sometimes in distant years when we are grown
Gray--haired and old, whatever be our lot,
We shall desire to see again the spot
Which whatsoever we have been or done
Or to what distant lands we may have gone,
Through all the years will never have been forget

  • Introduction to the Poet/Major works
  • Detailed textual analysis