Advice to a Pool
The work presents a contemplative exploration of existence through the metaphor of a pool. It invites the reader to perceive the pool as a serene entity, embodying tranquility and resilience against the chaos of human actions. The imagery of dawn and night suggests a cyclical nature of time, where the pool serves as a boundary between these two states, reflecting the transient nature of life. The pool is portrayed as a vessel of dreams, capable of transcending its physical limitations. It symbolizes a space where imagination can flourish, offering an escape from the constraints of reality. The notion of being a "liquid threshold" emphasizes the fluidity of existence and the potential for transformation. The poem critiques human arrogance, as individuals attempt to impose their will upon the pool, splashing it with their "lordly hands." This act is met with the pool's indifference, highlighting the futility of human endeavors against the backdrop of nature's enduring presence. The pool's laughter at humanity's attempts to control it underscores a theme of humility in the face of the natural world. Time is depicted as an illusion, a "phantom dagger" that ultimately leads to self-destruction. The pool, in its stillness, contrasts with the relentless passage of time, suggesting that true wisdom lies in embracing the present moment rather than striving for dominance over it. Overall, the work encapsulates a philosophical meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature, urging a recognition of the deeper currents that flow beneath the surface of existence. It advocates for a harmonious coexistence with the world, where one can find solace and inspiration in the simplicity of being.
By Maxwell Bodenheim · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism · 148 words
First lines
Be a liquid threshold for the dawn And let night touch you with his back. The earth-bowl prisoning you, and cold night winds
Are only pause and rhythm Within an endless fantasy, But you, like they, can be A dream from the loins of a dream, And build a golden stairway of escape.
O coolly unperturbed pool, Slap your ripples in laughter at men, Who splash you with their lordly hands. Time is but a phantom dagger That motion lifts to slay itself.
What this Textopian page supports
Advice to a Pool is listed on Textopian as a poem by Maxwell Bodenheim, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Maxwell Bodenheim
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism, Modernist, Nature
- Length: 148 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language, imagery, and metaphor typical of poetic forms.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts and reflections on life, time, and perception.
- Symbolism — The text uses symbols, such as the pool and night, to convey deeper meanings and abstract ideas.
- Modernist — The writing style reflects modernist tendencies, focusing on subjective experience and fragmented imagery.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Existentialism · Philosophy · Mystery · Enigma · Abstract · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Inner Turmoil