The speaker looks back on how his feelings have changed over a lifetime. As a boy, he was restless and eager to sail the world’s seas. As a young man, he gave his heart fully to ships and sailors. Now, though, the sea has lost its charm: he is tired of the wind and the foam. Every dawn he hears the small streams of Duna, and at night the stars over that place seem to call him home. The poem is less about regret than about a quiet, deepening homesickness. The sea once meant adventure and freedom; now it feels like weariness. The mood is wistful and tender, carried by soft, simple images of running water and stars. Duna becomes a symbol of comfort, familiarity, and rest that the speaker longs for after a life of wandering.
Duna — Summary
When I was a little lad With folly on my lips, Fain was I for journeying All the seas in ships. But now across the southern swell, Every dawn I hear The little streams of Duna Running clear.
When I was a young man, Before my beard was gray, All to ships and sailormen I gave my heart away. But I'm weary of the sea-wind, I'm weary of the foam, And the little stars of Duna Call me home.