23
On Kosaral
Within the sixty days at sea Shevchenko got used to the life of the mariners. They had fired him with their enthusiasm and spirit of storm-tossed travelers dreaming of unknown islands and countries, and introduced him to their circle of interests. The dangers and cruel storms, which made them gamble with death every minute, had hardened their nature. He realized that he’d always have a warm feeling for these men.
But when they were on shore, this continuity of interests and the friendship began to crumble. At first they still slept on the ship, but from morning till sunset each was occupied with his own work. The meals were taken on shore near the field kitchen, the men never appearing for their meals in one body.
Loneliness and homesickness overcame the poet again. The
