Waterfall

Welcome, fellow explorers of language and meaning, to a journey into the heart of Lauris Dorothy Edmond’s poignant poem, “Waterfall.” This beautiful piece invites us to reflect on the relentless flow of time, the evolving nature of love, and the quiet wisdom found in acceptance. Prepare to dive deep into its imagery, metaphors, and profound insights.

Waterfall

by Lauris Dorothy Edmond

I do not ask for youth, nor for delay
in the rising of time’s irreversible river
that takes the jewelled arc of the waterfall
in which I glimpse, minute by glinting minute,
all that I have and all I am always losing
as sunlight lights each drop fast, fast falling.

I do not dream that you, young again,
might come to me darkly in love’s green darkness
where the dust of the bracken spices the air
moss, crushed, gives out an astringent sweetness
and water holds our reflections
motionless, as if for ever.

It is enough now to come into a room and find the kindness we have for each other, calling it love, in eyes that are shrewd but trustful still, face chastened by years of careful judgement; to sit in the afternoons in mild conversation, without nostalgia.

But when you leave me, with your jauntiness sinewed by resolution more than strength and suddenly then I love you with a quick intensity, remembering that water, however luminous and grand, falls fast and only once to the dark pool below.

Unveiling the Essence of “Waterfall”

“Waterfall” by Lauris Dorothy Edmond is a deeply moving and reflective poem that explores the universal themes of time, loss, and the enduring, transforming nature of love and memory. It resonates with readers because it candidly acknowledges the inevitability of change and the bittersweet beauty of remembering what has passed. The poem is not merely a description of a natural wonder; it masterfully uses the image of cascading water as a profound metaphor for the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life and cherished connections. It beautifully captures the quiet acceptance of aging and the profound realization that even the deepest bonds are subject to the relentless flow of time.

Central Idea and Summary of “Waterfall”

At its core, “Waterfall” is a meditation on the acceptance of time’s unstoppable passage and the way love matures and transforms as life unfolds. The speaker contemplates the relentless flow of time, powerfully symbolized by the waterfall, and recognizes that everything—youth, beauty, and even relationships—is subject to its currents. While acknowledging the inherent sadness of loss, the speaker finds profound solace and contentment in the present moment and the enduring power of kindness and memory. The poem is not a lament for what is lost, but rather a quiet, dignified acknowledgment of life’s impermanence and a heartfelt celebration of the love that remains, even in the face of profound change.

An In-Depth Analysis of Lauris Dorothy Edmond’s “Waterfall”

Stanza 1: Time’s Irreversible Flow

The opening stanza immediately establishes the poem’s central theme: the relentless progression of time. The lines,

I do not ask for youth, nor for delay
in the rising of time’s irreversible river

reveal a speaker who has achieved a profound sense of peace and acceptance regarding the natural order of things. There is no regret, only a quiet understanding that time cannot be stopped or reversed. The “jewelled arc of the waterfall” serves as a powerful and beautiful image, representing the dazzling yet fragile beauty of life’s moments. The speaker observes,

minute by glinting minute,
all that I have and all I am always losing

This beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet nature of existence, where every precious moment is simultaneously gained and lost. The repetition of “fast, fast falling” emphasizes the incredible speed at which time passes and the inevitability of loss, much like the individual drops of water in a cascade.

Stanza 2: Echoes of Past Love and “Green Darkness”

The second stanza shifts its focus to a specific, cherished relationship, though the details remain subtly veiled. The speaker does not yearn for a return to youthful romance, but rather reflects on the intimately shared moments with a loved one. The evocative phrase “love’s green darkness” conjures a sense of lush, hidden intimacy, a sacred space where,

the dust of the bracken spices the air
moss, crushed, gives out an astringent sweetness

These rich sensory details create a vivid, almost tangible atmosphere, suggesting a deep connection with nature and a shared appreciation for life’s simple, profound pleasures. The image of,

water holds our reflections
motionless, as if for ever

is particularly poignant. It hints at a deep desire to preserve those cherished moments in time, a longing for permanence, even as the speaker implicitly understands that such moments, like reflections on water, are ultimately fleeting.

Stanza 3: Finding Comfort in the Present

This stanza marks a significant shift toward acceptance and contentment found in the present. The speaker finds “enough” solace in the simple, profound act of sharing kindness with a loved one. The phrase “calling it love” suggests a quiet, understated affection, one that has evolved and deepened over time, transcending youthful passion. The description of,

eyes that are shrewd but trustful still, face chastened by years of careful judgement

reveals a relationship built on maturity, understanding, and mutual respect. These are not the eyes of naive youth, but of experience and wisdom. The speaker values “mild conversation, without nostalgia,” indicating a conscious choice to embrace the present moment fully without dwelling excessively on the past. This stanza beautifully articulates the beauty of enduring love that finds its richness in shared companionship and quiet understanding.

Stanza 4: The Poignant Intensity of Departure

The final stanza introduces a moment of renewed emotional intensity, triggered by the departure of the loved one. The lines,

But when you leave me, with your jauntiness
sinewed by resolution more than strength

suggest a partner who is independent, resilient, and perhaps still vibrant, yet whose absence creates a profound sense of loss for the speaker. The phrase,

suddenly then I love you with a quick intensity

reveals that the speaker’s deep affection has not diminished, but rather is rekindled and intensified by the stark realization of what is temporarily or permanently lost. The poem concludes with a powerful and unforgettable metaphor:

remembering that water, however luminous and grand, falls fast and only once to the dark pool below.

This image encapsulates the poem’s central theme: like the waterfall, life is fleeting, irreversible, and each moment is unique. The speaker accepts this reality with quiet dignity, recognizing that even the most precious and luminous moments are destined to pass away, leaving behind a lasting impression in the “dark pool” of memory and experience.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “Waterfall”

Lauris Dorothy Edmond skillfully employs a variety of literary and poetic devices to enhance the poem’s meaning, emotional impact, and overall beauty. Understanding these tools enriches our appreciation of the poem.

• Imagery: The poem is exceptionally rich in vivid imagery, particularly sensory details that evoke the natural world. Examples include “jewelled arc of the waterfall,” “dust of the bracken spices the air,” “moss, crushed, gives out an astringent sweetness,” and “water, however luminous and grand.” These images create a strong sense of atmosphere and help to immerse the reader in the poem’s reflective world.
• Metaphor: The central and most powerful device is the extended metaphor of the waterfall itself. It symbolizes the unstoppable passage of time, the fleeting nature of life, and the continuous cycle of gaining and losing. The “irreversible river” is another clear metaphor for time.
• Symbolism:
  • Water: Symbolizes the flow of time, constant change, and perhaps even the cleansing or reflective power of memory.
  • “Green darkness”: Symbolizes a past time of youthful, perhaps hidden or intense, love and intimacy.
  • “Dark pool below”: Symbolizes the ultimate destination of time’s flow, perhaps representing memory, the end of life, or the quiet accumulation of experience.
• Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a musical quality and enhances the poem’s lyrical flow. An example is “darkly in love’s green darkness” or “glinting minute.”
• Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the end of words or stressed syllables, emphasizes certain words and creates a sense of rhythm. Notice “fast, fast falling” or “trustful still.”
• Enjambment: The use of enjambment, where lines run on to the next without a grammatical pause, creates a sense of momentum and mimics the continuous, unbroken flow of the waterfall and time itself. For instance,
  

  I do not ask for youth, nor for delay
  in the rising of time’s irreversible river

  or

  water holds our reflections
  motionless, as if for ever.

• Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Edmond to create a natural, conversational, and deeply personal tone, mirroring the organic flow of thought and emotion.

Key Themes Explored in “Waterfall”

Lauris Dorothy Edmond’s “Waterfall” delves into several profound themes that resonate deeply with the human experience:

• Time and Impermanence: This is the overarching theme, with the waterfall serving as a powerful symbol of time’s relentless, irreversible flow. The poem emphasizes that all things, including youth, moments, and even relationships, are subject to change and eventual passing.
• Love and Relationships: The poem explores the evolution of love, moving from the passionate “green darkness” of youth to the mature, quiet “kindness we have for each other” in later years. It highlights how love endures and transforms, finding new forms of expression and appreciation.
• Acceptance and Wisdom: A central message is the speaker’s profound acceptance of life’s realities, particularly aging and loss. There is no desperate clinging to the past, but rather a wise and dignified embrace of the present moment and its unique beauty.
• Memory and Nostalgia: While the speaker avoids dwelling in “nostalgia,” memories of past love are cherished and contribute to the richness of the present. The poem suggests that memories, like reflections, can be held, even if the original moment is gone forever.
• The Beauty of the Present: Despite acknowledging loss, the poem ultimately celebrates the quiet joys and profound connections found in the “enough now” of the present, emphasizing the value of shared kindness and mild conversation.

Lauris Dorothy Edmond’s “Waterfall” is a masterful poem that invites us to pause and reflect on the beauty and brevity of life. Through its vivid imagery and profound metaphors, it teaches us about the wisdom of accepting time’s passage and the enduring, transforming power of love. This poem reminds us that while life, like a waterfall, falls fast and only once, each drop, each moment, holds its own luminous and grand significance. It is a timeless piece that encourages us to cherish the present and find peace in the natural rhythms of existence.