Sailing Quote by Thomas Wyatt
““The Lover Compareth his State to a Ship in Perilous Storm Tossed on the Sea My galley chargèd with forgetfulness Thorough sharp seas, in winter nights doth pass 'Tween rock and rock; and eke mine enemy, alas, That is my lord, steereth with cruelness; And every oar a thought in readiness As though that death were light in such a case. An endless wind doth tear the sail apace Of forcèd sighs and trusty fearfulness. A rain of tears, a cloud of dark disdain, Hath done the wearied cords great hindrance Wreathèd with error and eke with ignorance. The stars be hid that led me to this pain. Drownèd is reason that should me consort, And I remain despairing of the port.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown (attributed to Thomas Wyatt, 16th century)
The speaker feels trapped in a tumultuous, oppressive situation, likening his state to a storm‑tossed ship, overwhelmed by forgetfulness, fear, and despair, with his lord as a cruel captain guiding him toward ruin.
In simple terms: Feeling trapped in a storm of despair caused by a harsh leader.
Key Takeaway
Recognize oppressive forces and seek clarity.
Themes
despair
oppression
leadership
storm
ignorance
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
poetic
lament
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- political oppression
- mental health struggles
- seeking truth
Key Concepts
existential crisis
power dynamics
emotional turbulence
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of your situation are truly beyond control?
- How can you navigate toward a safer harbor?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may exaggerate personal feeling, overlooking possible agency or external solutions.
