Derek Walcott: A Sea-Chantey

Poem Title

Original Publication

CP Page no

A Sea-Chantey

 

In a Green Night, London: J. Cape, 1962      

44-46

Allusion to Classical figure Odysseus, Cyclops, Phyllis

Classical/post-Classical intertexts The poem takes as its preface a refrain from Bauledaire’s ‘L’Invitation au voyage’ (Les Fleurs du Mal, 1857) and features repeated Christian motifs (Sabbath, church bells etc.).

Further Comment Odysseus becomes synonymous with boats, islands, seafaring and Walcott’s quasi- mythical land and seascapes.