For what kind of death is the speaker wishing?
The speaker in "Crossing the Bar" is desiring a calm death. This is found in both the diction and imagery utilized by the author. "And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea," (Alfred, 886) Not only is the author wanting a calm death, he wishes that others remain calm when his time comes as well. No one should be mourning his death even though he no longer exists in their world. The speaker perceives the afterlife as a different time and place that cannot be reached while one is alive. By this, he conveys that though he is not physically present; he is still there: "For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far," (Alfred, 886) Additionally, the speaker is rather optimistic that he will meet his "Pilot"and will live in eternal happiness; therefore, others should not lose themselves in grief when his name is called. To answer the question, the writer wishes for a peaceful sending off into the afterlife and is rather confident he will accomplish just that.
