Thou Waters, Tell Me Why
Thou Waters, Tell Me Why is a novel by Mary Alice Walton that follows the story of a young woman named Lila, who is struggling to make sense of her life. After her father's death, Lila moves to a small town in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. There, she meets a mysterious old woman who tells her stories of the past and reveals secrets about her family's history. As Lila learns more about her family's past, she discovers a deep connection to the land and the people who live there. She also discovers a strength within herself that she never knew she had. With the help of her newfound friends, Lila embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Along the way, she learns to accept her past and embrace her future.
By Mary Alice Walton · First published 1910 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Mystery · 185 words
First lines
O'er rocks where sea waves wrestled, far from yon city's height A woman walked 'mid shadows, and watched for morning light. A woman strong with purpose, though burdened with life's care, The silvered tints of starlight matched threads in gold-brown hair.
CHORUS.
But her heart and the waves grew restless, As she thought of years gone by, Of him she once loved truly -- Cried, waters, tell me why, Thou waters tell me why!
Aged rocks lend me thy power 'gainst winds and tempest wild: A woman's strife before me, I fain would be a child. Long since 'twas said at parting, "Forever, love, good-bye." And life merged into duty, Oh, waters, tell me why!
What this Textopian page supports
Thou Waters, Tell Me Why is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Alice Walton, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Alice Walton
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thou Waters, Tell Me Why by Mary Alice Walton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Thou Waters, Tell Me Why?
- How does this short story by Mary Alice Walton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Fiction — The title suggests a story, and the author's name implies that this is a work of fiction.
- Romance — The title implies a romantic story, with the waters being a metaphor for the emotions of the characters.
- Mystery — The title implies a mystery, as the waters are asking a question that needs to be answered.
- Fantasy — The title implies a fantastical story, as the waters are asking a question that may not have a logical answer.
Tags
Poetry · aged · burdened · calling · care · chorus · cried · fain · fern · heart · height · kindly