'The Source' by W.S. Merwin


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There in the fringe of trees between
the upper field and the edge of the one
below it that runs above the valley
one time I heard in the early
days of summer the clear ringing
six notes that I knew were the opening
of the Fingal's Cave Overture
I heard them again and again that year
and the next summer and the year
afterward those six descending
notes the same for all the changing
in my own life since the last time
I had heard them fall past me from
the bright air in the morning of a bird
and I believed that what I had heard
would always be there if I came again
to be overtaken by that season
in that place after the winter
and I would wonder again whether
Mendelssohn really had heard them somewhere
far to the north that many years ago
looking up from his youth to listen to
those six notes of an ancestor
spilling over from a presence neither
water nor human that led to the cave
in his mind the fluted cliffs and the wave
going out and the falling water
he thought those notes could be the music for
Mendelssohn is gone and Fingal is gone
all but his name for a cave and for one
piece of music and the black-capped warbler
as we called that bird that I remember
singing there those notes descending
from the age of the ice dripping
I have not heard again this year can it
be gone then will I not hear it
from now on will the overture begin
for a time and all those who listen
feel that falling in them but as always
without knowing what they recognize

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Source by W.S. Merwin: A Masterpiece of Poetic Beauty and Devotion

If you are looking for a poem that will touch your heart and soul, look no further than "The Source" by W.S. Merwin. This powerful piece of poetry is a celebration of life and the natural world, and it speaks to the beauty and complexity of the human experience in a way that is both profound and moving.

At its core, "The Source" is a poem about the power of transformation and the way in which the natural world can inspire and illuminate our lives. The poem begins with a description of a river, which is presented as a symbol of the constant flow of life and the infinite possibilities that exist within it. As the poem progresses, Merwin explores the idea of transformation and the way in which the river and the natural world can transform us and help us to see the world in new and exciting ways.

One of the most striking things about "The Source" is the way in which Merwin uses language to create a sense of wonder and awe. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that transports the reader to a different place and time. For example, when Merwin describes the river as "the voice of the drowned," he creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader in and invites them to explore the deeper meanings of the poem.

Another powerful aspect of "The Source" is its theme of reverence for the natural world. Merwin is clearly deeply in love with the natural world, and he uses his poetry to celebrate its beauty and complexity. The poem is filled with references to the natural world, from the "wilderness of clouds" to the "breath of animals," and it is clear that Merwin sees nature as a source of inspiration and wonder.

Throughout the poem, Merwin also explores the idea of the interconnectedness of all things. He presents the river as a symbol of the vast and complex web of life that connects us all, and he suggests that by embracing this interconnectedness, we can find a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. This idea is particularly powerful in the final stanza of the poem, where Merwin writes:

"And now the river is speaking with many tongues, the tongue of the mountains, the tongue of the sea, the tongue of the forest, the tongue of the sky, and all of them are one."

This powerful image of the river speaking with many tongues serves as a beautiful metaphor for the way in which our lives are connected to the larger world around us. It suggests that by embracing the interconnectedness of all things, we can find a sense of unity and purpose that transcends the limitations of our individual lives.

In conclusion, "The Source" by W.S. Merwin is a masterpiece of poetic beauty and devotion. It is a celebration of life and the natural world, and it speaks to the beauty and complexity of the human experience in a way that is both profound and moving. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Merwin creates a sense of wonder and awe that draws the reader in and invites them to explore the deeper meanings of the poem. And by exploring themes of transformation, interconnectedness, and reverence for the natural world, he reminds us of the beauty and mystery that surrounds us every day, and the infinite possibilities that exist within the flow of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Source: A Poem of Reflection and Renewal

The Source, written by W.S. Merwin, is a classic poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking renewal and reflection. The poem is a beautiful and powerful exploration of the natural world and the human spirit, and it offers a profound message of hope and renewal.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a source of water that is hidden away in a remote and inaccessible place. The water is described as being pure and clear, and it is said to be a source of life and renewal. The speaker then goes on to describe how the water flows out of the source and into the world, nourishing the plants and animals that depend on it for survival.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the nature of the source and its relationship to the world around it. The source is described as being both ancient and timeless, and it is said to have a deep and profound connection to the natural world. The speaker also reflects on the fact that the source is hidden away and inaccessible, and he suggests that this is part of what makes it so special and powerful.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid and evocative language to describe the natural world and the power of the source. He describes the water as being “clear as the air itself,” and he speaks of the way that it “flows out of the earth / and into the bright air.” The speaker also uses powerful imagery to describe the way that the water nourishes the plants and animals that depend on it, saying that it “feeds the roots of the trees / and the bones of the hills.”

One of the most powerful aspects of The Source is the way that it speaks to the human experience of seeking renewal and reflection. The poem suggests that, like the source of water, we all have a deep and profound connection to the natural world, and that this connection can be a source of renewal and strength. The speaker suggests that by connecting with the natural world, we can find a sense of peace and renewal that is essential to our well-being.

The poem also speaks to the importance of reflection and introspection. The speaker suggests that by taking the time to reflect on our lives and our place in the world, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our connection to the natural world. This understanding can be a source of strength and renewal, helping us to navigate the challenges and difficulties of life with greater ease and grace.

Overall, The Source is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking renewal and reflection. The poem is a testament to the power of the natural world and the human spirit, and it offers a profound message of hope and renewal. Whether you are seeking to connect with the natural world, or simply looking for a moment of reflection and introspection, The Source is a poem that is sure to inspire and uplift.

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