Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MAN-OF-WAR HAWK by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: YON BLACK MAN-OF-WAR-HAWK THAT WHEELS IN THE LIGHT
Last Line: TO THE PLACID SUPREME IN THE SWEEP OF HIS REIGN.
Subject(s): BIRDS; HAWKS; SHIPS & SHIPPING;

Yon black man-of-war hawk that wheels in the light
O'er the black ship's white sky-s'l, sunned cloud to the sight,
Have we low-flyers wings to ascend to his height?

No arrow can reach him; nor thought can attain
To the placid supreme in the sweep of his reign.




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