Spirit Song over the Waters
The poem explores the relationship between nature and the human spirit. It describes a moment of transcendence where the speaker feels connected to the universe and experiences a sense of unity with all living things. The poem's central theme is the idea that the natural world has a spiritual dimension, and that humans can tap into this dimension through their emotions and imagination. The poem's imagery is rich and evocative, drawing on the natural world to convey the speaker's emotional state. The use of water as a symbol adds depth and complexity to the poem's themes, suggesting both the fluidity and unpredictability of life. Ultimately, the poem presents a vision of human existence that is deeply connected to the natural world, and suggests that this connection can be a source of spiritual growth and transformation.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1798 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical, Nature · 142 words
First lines
THE soul of man Resembleth water: From heaven it cometh, To heaven it soareth. And then again To earth descendeth, Changing ever.
Down from the lofty Rocky wall Streams the bright flood, Then spreadeth gently In cloudy billows O'er the smooth rock, And welcomed kindly, Veiling, on roams it, Soft murmuring, Tow'rd the abyss.
Cliffs projecting Oppose its progress, -- Angrily foams it Down to the bottom, Step by step.
Now, in flat channel, Through the meadowland steals it, And in the polish'd lake Each constellation Joyously peepeth.
What this Textopian page supports
Spirit Song over the Waters is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1798 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1798 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Philosophical, Nature, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Bliss Of Absence by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- In The Deep Nights by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Life by W. B. Yeats
- As To A Child by Fernando Pessoa
- The Clouds That Are So Light by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs a musical quality and emotional expression typical of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — It explores deep themes about the nature of the soul and its connection to elements like water and wind.
- Nature — The imagery and metaphors are heavily rooted in natural elements, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
- Romanticism — The themes of emotion, nature, and the human experience align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetic · Philosophical · Romantic · Symbolic · Nature · Spiritual · Mystical · Dreamlike · Imagery-rich · Emotive · Introspective · Existential