Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WATER by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE WATER UNDERSTANDS
Last Line: ELEGANTLY DESTROY.
Subject(s): WATER;
The Water understands
Civilization well --
It wets my foot, but prettily,
It chills my life, but wittily,
It is not disconcerted,
It is not broken-hearted,
Well used, it decketh joy,
Adorneth, doubleth joy;
Ill-used it will destroy
In perfect time and measure,
With a face of golden pleasure,
Elegantly destroy.



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