Introduction to the Poem “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Biography of the Author

Alfred Tennyson(1809-1892)was the fourth son of George Tennyson, Rector of Somersby in Lincolnshire. His father was himself a poet and Tennyson’s two brothers, Frederick and Charles, wrote excellent verses, though their work was overshadowed by his. After receiving his first lessons from his father, he went to Louth Grammar School and from there to Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1829, he won the chancellor’s prize with his poem Tim bucktooth and in 1830 he published poems, chiefly lyrical.

In 1833 his great friend Hall am had died, and after the first shock of grief was over, the poet turned his thoughts to philosophical and religious problems.

“Crossing the Bar” Alfred Lord Tennyson

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,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turn again home.