To Travel This Ship by James Berry Summary and Meaning

The poem To Travel This Ship is one of James Berry’s poems from Windrush Songs. It tells the story of a Jamaican man leaving his homeland to look for a better future. Poverty and lack of opportunities pushed him to migrate, even though it meant leaving behind familiar surroundings.

About James Berry

James Berry was a Jamaican poet who often wrote about the experiences of Caribbean people, especially during the Windrush generation. Through his poetry, he gave a voice to migrants and their struggles, showing both the pain of leaving home and the hope of building a new life.

Theme of Migration

In this poem, the speaker does not express regret about leaving. Instead, the tone shows acceptance of the journey, as life in Jamaica was simple but limited. Migration becomes a necessary choice for survival and growth.

Language and Style

Berry uses both Jamaican dialect and standard English in his poem. This mix reflects the cultural journey of the migrant, showing how he shifts between identities and navigates differences.

The speaker may not have been fully aware of the cultural challenges ahead, but the decision to travel was driven by the dream of finding a better place to live.

The Message of the Poem

To Travel This Ship highlights the emotional and cultural challenges of migration. James Berry captures the determination of those who left the Caribbean, showing how they carried both hope and uncertainty on their journey to a new world.

His message is that leaving home, even when difficult, can lead to growth and new opportunities, and that the courage to pursue a better life is a universal human experience.

References

Windrush Team 2019, 'James Berry – To Travel This Ship', Windrush Day 2020, 6 June, viewed 27 September 2025, (Link).