The Word of the Water
A poem exploring the symbolism of water and its connection to life, death, and rebirth. Carman uses imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that water is a source of renewal and transformation.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Environmental · 169 words
First lines
_For the Unveiling of the Stevenson Fountain in San Francisco_
God made me simple from the first, And good to quench your body's thirst. Think you he has no ministers To glad that wayworn soul of yours?
Here by the thronging Golden Gate For thousands and for you I wait, Seeing adventurous sails unfurled For the four corners of the world.
Here passed one day, nor came again, A prince among the tribes of men. (For man, like me, is from his birth A vagabond upon this earth.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Word of the Water is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Environmental, Canadian Literature
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Word of the Water by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Word of the Water?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Weather Of The Soul by Bliss Carman
- The Weeds Counsel by Bliss Carman
- Te Deum by Bliss Carman
- At Sunrise by Bliss Carman
- The Campfire Of The Sun by Bliss Carman
- The Tent Of Noon by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman, the author, is widely known for his poetic works, indicating that this book would fall under the genre of Poetry.
- Nature — Given the book's title and Bliss Carman's renown as a naturalist poet, the theme of nature is likely prominently featured.
- Environmental — Carman's poetry often reflects broad environmental themes, as suggested by the title 'THE WORD OF THE WATER'.
- Canadian Literature — As Carman is a renowned poet of Canadian origin, his works also fall under the genre of Canadian Literature.
Tags
poetry · water · nature · symbolism · mysticism · spirituality · inspiration · reflection · inner peace · self-discovery · personal growth · emotions