Read to know what this poem is about!
- In this poem, the poet talks about the gentle and harsh facets of the river.
- The poem clearly describes the features, functions and the destructive power of the river.
- The poet gives the river human characteristics. Some of these characteristics include being a wanderer, a nomad, a tramp, a hoarder, a baby, a singer and finally a monster that will ‘swallow you next’.
- The poem also uses a variety of verbs to indicate how the river moves. The river is said to be a winder and thus twists and turns. In addition, it also gurgles and hums like a baby. Interestingly, it also sings, dances, gobbles and swallows.
- The poem has been clearly and systematically written because each stanza describes one feature and function of the river as it meanders downstream.
- In the first stanza, the poet describes how the river is constantly moving. The poet compares the river to a nomad who does not stay in one place for very long.
- The second stanza describes how the river moves through valleys and around hills. It draws a picture in our mind of the winding route that the river takes.
- The third stanza reminds us that there are things hidden in the river.
- The fourth and fifth stanzas draw our attention to the sounds that the river makes.
- The last stanza warns us that the river can be dangerous. It can destroy nature and takes human lives.
