He was a major writer of his time
John Masefield he penned long stories in rhyme
It can be said of him he was a great
His legacy the genius he did create.
Devoted to his children and his wife
John Masefield made the most out of his life
He lived to the ripe old age of eighty nine
And one might say that he matured like good wine.
His Salt Water Ballads were his ticket to fame
They established his as a legendary literary name
But tis in his longer poems that his genius stands out
And his literary value it goes without doubt.
John Masefield was a man who lived to write
Yet he was far more humble than many a lesser light
The honour of Poet Laureate did not go to his head
Always down to earth a simple life he led.
John Masefield's poems to his greatness testify
And his place in literature of him none can deny
One might say that he came up the hard way
And his poems by lovers of poetry are enjoyed today.
Francis Duggan
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/john-masefield-s-poems/
