What message is this poem giving us?

[Toneng]

I have to analyze the following poems. Would you help me to answer the following questions?
1. What message is this poem giving us?
2. Can it be related to the modern society we live in now?

Cargoes (1902)

Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir
Rowing home to haven from sunny Palestine
With a cargo of ivory,
And apes and peacocks,
Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine.

Stately Spanish galleon coming from the Isthmus,
Dipping through the Tropics by the palm-green shores,
With a cargo of diamonds,
Emeralds, amethysts,
Topazes, and cinnamon, and gold moidores.

Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack
Butting through the channel in the mad March days,
With a cargo of Tyne coal,
Road-rail, pig-lead,
Firewood, iron-ware, and cheap tin trays.

John Masefield (1878-1967)

Thanks very much for your help.

[Virgil]

here's a hint: There is contrast and progression.

[mono]

Hello, Toneng, welcome to the forum. :)
To answer your first question --

1. What message is this poem giving us?
This poem, I think, reads quite simply, emphasizing the almost human "need" for greed, the distribution of products that humans have learned to "need," and the requirement for finding them, even if it involves stealing, among other lands.

2. Can it be related to the modern society we live in now?
Unfortunately, we can not discuss current politics or political actions here, and I could go further in depth with this question if you like, but only through private messages; maybe obvious to others, too, I cannot help but feel reminded of very current happenings in modern society, relating to the content of this poem.

[amuse]

<<<interrupts - sorry!!! - with joy and delight: mono, you're back! :) :) :) >>>

[Virgil]

This poem, I think, reads quite simply, emphasizing the almost human "need" for greed, the distribution of products that humans have learned to "need," and the requirement for finding them, even if it involves stealing, among other lands.

I did not quite read it this way. The first two stanzas, the stanzas that are set much further back in history, have rich beautiful items as cargoe. The third stanza, the author's present day, has dreary run of the mill things. I read the poem as a progression toward less beauty. I also don't see anything in the poem that suggests the items were stolen or pilaged. There has always been throughout history a legitimate exchange and commerce. Why would you not think along this line?

[mono]

<<<interrupts - sorry!!! - with joy and delight: mono, you're back! :) :) :) >>>
Indeed, hello, amuse - very pleasant to see you around, as well. ;)

I did not quite read it this way. The first two stanzas, the stanzas that are set much further back in history, have rich beautiful items as cargoe. The third stanza, the author's present day, has dreary run of the mill things. I read the poem as a progression toward less beauty. I also don't see anything in the poem that suggests the items were stolen or pilaged. There has always been throughout history a legitimate exchange and commerce. Why would you not think along this line?
I definitely perceive your point, Virgil, and I must agree that this may have also seemed as one of Masefield's intentions with the poem. Silly me - I get so absorbed in my own thought sometimes. ;)
I think Masefield still does emphasize the great dependency humans have on such seemingly precious items, usually imported and exported from and to other lands, distant or near. The aesthetic point he makes, however, I see clearly, which you kindly brought to my attention - thanks! :nod:

[Virgil]

Surely. I have never read Masefield and know nothing about him.

[Toneng]

Thanks for all your comments.
But will it be related to the deterioration of the environment?

[mono]

But will it be related to the deterioration of the environment?
I suppose it could, though I see no direct reference to the entire usage or exhaustion of goods and products in the poem. In my opinion, perhaps it refers more to the deterioration of more aesthetic items; considering Masefield's era, he may have made a few references to the Industrial Revolution.