Crossing The Bar

I recently "discovered" the writings of Alfred, Lord Tennyson.  He's one of those people whose names I know I've heard before (I probably read some of his works in school), but not until now did I really start to learn about him. I think it's wonderful to always be learning. This poem compares crossing a sand bar in a ship to crossing over to the other side, from life to death.

Crossing The Bar
by 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

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.