There is poetry written for many occasions; poetry written for recital in chambers and on stages. Poetry written for love, poetry written to celebrate life. Poetry told by candlelight or in sunlight. This isn't any of those. This is the kind of verse recited by grim drunk sailors, well past midnight, in dark taverns when storms are blowing up. This is in standard 8.6.8.6 meter - standard for hymns. It also happens to be the meter for The Animals version of House of the Rising Sun. / (Reviews)