Going to Sea

"Going to Sea" by James Baldwin is a poignant exploration of identity, race, and the search for belonging. Through the story of a young protagonist navigating the complexities of life in a segregated society, Baldwin delves into deep emotional landscapes, capturing the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. The narrative intertwines personal experiences with broader social themes, reflecting Baldwin's mastery in portraying the intricacies of the human experience and the yearning for connection and understanding amidst adversity. With rich prose and profound insights, Baldwin offers a powerful commentary on the social fabric of his time.

• Short story

								
"I should like to be a sailor," said George Washington. "Then I could
go to many strange lands and see many wonderful things. And, by and
by, I might become the captain of a ship."

He was only fourteen years old.

His older brothers were quite willing that he should go to sea. They
said that a bright boy like George would not long be a common sailor.
He would soon become a captain and then perhaps a great admiral.

And so the matter was at last settled. George's brothers knew the
master of a trading ship who was getting ready to sail to England. He
agreed to take the boy with him and teach him how to be a good sailor.

George's mother was very sad. His uncle had written her a letter
saying:

"Do not let him go to sea. If he begins as a common sailor, he will
never be anything else."

But George had made up his mind to go. He was headstrong and
determined. He would not listen to any one who tried to persuade him to
stay at home. At last the day came for the ship to sail. It was waiting
in the river. A boat was at the landing, ready to take him on board.
The little chest that held his clothing had been carried down to the
bank. George was in high glee at the thought of going.

"Good-by, mother," he said.

He stood on the doorstep and looked back into the house. He saw the
kind faces of those whom he loved. He began to feel very sad.

"Good-by, my dear boy!"

George saw the tears in his mother's eyes. He saw them rolling down
her cheeks. He knew that she did not wish him to go. He could not bear
to see her grief.

He stood still for a moment, thinking. Then he turned quickly and said,
"Mother, I have changed my mind. I will stay at home and do as you
wish." Then he called to the black boy, who was waiting at the door,
and said, "Tom, run down to the shore and tell them not to put the
chest in the boat. Send word to the captain not to wait for me, for
I have changed my mind. I am not going to sea."

Who has not heard of George Washington? It has been said of him that
he was the "first in war, the first in peace, and first in the hearts
of his countrymen." He was our most famous president. He has been
called the Father of his Country.
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