# For Coercion of Colombia explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A poetic depiction of a formidable naval fleet sailing south, prompting a sailorman's cryptic reflection on the uncertainty and mental unrest that accompanies such displays of power.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The poem satirizes the grand, intimidating display of naval power and the confusion surrounding its purpose.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator observes the fleet and engages the sailorman in conversation.

## Key lines

> The ships steam south From the harbor mouth In warlike, grim array!

A fleet of warships departs from the harbor in a threatening formation.

_Opens with a vivid image of military aggression._

> He looked at the sky With a studious eye, And this singular yarn he spun: 'When the wind's sou'west Every man's possessed Of a devil!—no son-of-a-gun Can tell what's fit to be done.'

The sailorman, after a thoughtful gaze, offers a cryptic saying about how a certain wind drives everyone mad with confusion.

_Highlights the theme of uncertainty and the futility of understanding grand schemes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/for-coercion-of-colombia
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters