Crossing the Bar

The literary term used most predominantly in this poem is a metaphor that sums up the whole point of the poem. The metaphor compares a sandbar that that represents the point of death. The poem's sentence about "one clear call" is about the clear call of death that the speaker seems to know is coming for him. The resounding metaphor stays with the reader because of the repeating theme of death is throughout the poem. The speaker accepts the fate and yet only wants his loved ones to not be sad. This poem is almost a reassurance to the loved ones. it is as if he is saying he will be okay with the "pilot" or God. That is why he is little more accepting because the speaker believes in God.