Epilogue

       I picked "water" as my theme because I knew I would have a very broad selection of poetry and music to choose from. Since water is prevalent on every corner of the earth, I just decided to pick 4 poems and four songs that accurately portrayed different points of view on water. Though each poem had a very different theme from the last, they all shared the same subject. "Water," "Dirty Water," and "Ripples on Water" all put water in a good light. They each have their own way for commending it for a certain purpose. "The Ocean," "Once In A Lifetime," and "A World Without Water" all influence the consumer to respect water. They each have compelling points as to why water is important and should be valued greatly. The first set of pieces use an appeal to emotions to achieve their purpose. The second set of pieces use an appeal to logic to get their point across. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but both are effective. All of the songs and poems were teeming with literary devices. The most common device used was repetition. This is an effective method of sending a message to the consumer as it tends to stick in their head. What is most unique about this anthology is the selection of poets and artists. These people include Norwegians from the 19th century all the way to 21st century American country artists. The amazing part is that all these people from different places, times, and even walks of life, can come together for one common cause. 

**Sorry that this is out of order! I could not for the life of me find out how to move the epilogue to the back. I understand that it goes between the last poem/song and before the works cited pages. 

Title Page

Are You An Aquaholic?

Water Anthology by Gage Cooper
September 28th, 2015

Seawater Desalination. Digital image. Http://www.stamarine.com/. N.p., 3 Jan. 2009. Web. 24 Sept. 2015. <http://www.stamarine.com/uploads/1/8/4/1/18412059/marine_65_series_sell_sheet.pdf>.

Table of Contents

1. Preface

2. "The Ocean" by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson pub. 1857

3. "A World Without Water" by Angela Wybrow pub.2012

4. "Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival

5. "Once In A Lifetime" by The Talking Heads

6. "Ripples on Water" by Blossom Mist pub.2012

7. "Dirty Water" by The Standells

8. "I Feel Like A River" by Kendra Tyler pub.2012

9. "Water" by Brad Paisley

10. Epilogue

Preface

     

Preface

     Water was chosen as the focus for my anthology because it is the "common factor" everywhere in the world. Everyone has water. Everyone uses water to grow their food. Everyone consumes water to stay alive. Water is everywhere. This anthology consists of four songs and four poems and is ordered from a somber mood to the most joyous. This anthology was not composed of my favorite poems and songs or the easy poems and songs. This anthology was created to show the different perspectives on water from different people and different time periods. Many people view water as a valuable resource, while some view water as a painful memory. Some might even hate water to the core. Of course all interpretations should be respected, but I like to stick to the logical side of things; water is a resource and should be respected. Water can represent hydrogen and oxygen, love, loneliness, hate, or joy. It all depends on the perspective.

"The Ocean" by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

"The Ocean" by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

... Oceanward I am ever yearning,

Where far it rolls in its calm and grandeur,

The weight of mountain-like fogbanks bearing,

Forever wandering and returning.

The skies may lower, the land may call it,

It knows no resting and knows no yielding.

In nights of summer, in storms of winter,

Its surges murmur the self-same longing.

Yes, oceanward I am ever yearning,

Where far is lifted its broad, cold forehead!

Thereon the world throws its deepest shadow

And mirrors whispering all its anguish.

Though warm and blithesome the bright sun stroke it

With joyous message, that life is gladness,

Yet ice-cold, changelessly melancholy,

It drowns the sorrow and drowns the solace.

The full moon pulling, the tempest lifting,

Must loose their hold on the flowing water.

Down whirling lowlands and crumbling mountains

It to eternity tireless washes.

What forth it draws must the one way wander.

What once is sunken arises never.

No message comes thence, no cry is heard thence;

Its voice, its silence, can none interpret.

Yes, toward the ocean, far out toward ocean,

That knows no hour of self-atonement!

For all that suffer release it offers,

But trails forever its own enigma.

A strange alliance with Death unites it,

That all it give Him,--itself excepting!

I feel, vast Ocean, thy solemn sadness,

To thee abandon my weak devices,

To thee let fly all my anxious longings:

May thy cool breath to my heart bring healing!

Let Death now follow, his booty seeking:

The moves are many before the checkmate!

Awhile I'll harass thy love of plunder,

As on I scud 'neath thy angry eyebrows;

Thou only fillest my swelling mainsail,

Though Death ride fast on thy howling tempest;

Thy billows raging shall bear the faster

My little vessel to quiet waters.

Ah! Thus alone at the helm in darkness,

By all forsaken, by Death forgotten,

When sails unknown far away are wafted

And some swift-coursing by night are passing,

To note the ground-swell's resistless current,

The sighing heart of the breathing ocean --

Or small waves plashing along the planking,

Its quiet pastime amid its sadness.

Then glide my lingering longings over

Into the ocean-deep grief of nature,

The night's, the water's united coldness

Prepares my spirit for death's dark dwelling.

Then comes day's dawning! My soul bounds upward

On beams of light to the vault of heaven;

My ship-steed sniffing its flank is laving

With buoyant zest in the cooling billow.

With song the sailor to masthead clambers

To clear the sail that shall swell more freely,

And thoughts are flying like birds aweary

Round mast and yard-arm, but find no refuge. ...

Yes, toward the ocean! To follow Vikar!

To sail like him and to sink as he did,

For great King Olaf the prow defending!

With keel unswerving the cold thought cleaving,

But hope deriving from lightest breezes!

Death's eager fingers so near the rudder,

While heaven's clearness the way illumines!

And then at last in the final hour

To feel the bolts and the nails are yielding

And Death is pressing the seams asunder,

That in may stream the absolving water!

Wet winding-sheets shall be folded round me,

And I descend to eternal silence,

While rolling billows my name bear shoreward

In spacious nights 'neath the cloudless moonlight! 

Bjørnson, Bjørnstjerne. "The Ocean" N.p.: n.p., 1914. Poemhunter.com. Web. 25 Sept. 2015.

             

"Bjornstjerne Bjornson." Depositphotos. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://depositphotos.com/8970015/stock-photo-bjornstjerne-bjornson.html>.

         "The Ocean" by Bjornstjerne Bjornson is a compelling poem about the ocean and what is represents. The content of this poem is geared toward a negative perspective on the ocean. Although one with a "salty" vocabulary would greater benefit from this poem, one could still easily understand and appreciate its significance. Bjornson describes the ocean as a ruthless body that has holds no regret for its wrongdoings. This poem follows a common theme associating the vast lifeless ocean with death.

          Though the title does nothing to further to further his argument, Bjornson's stylistic techniques make this poem very effective. His tone in the poem an be seen as loathsome toward the ocean as though it ripped someone he loved right from his arms. He also reveals a presence of fear for the ocean as well a sense of fear. Bjornson speaks of his little vessel in the vast ocean as though he were being humble towards the ocean. Bjornson uses personification in several instances to prove his point. "Though warm and blithesome the bright sun strokes it with joyous message, that life is gladness, Yet ice-cold, changelessly melancholy, It drowns the sorrow and drowns the solace" (Bjornson). This placement of personification effectively shows the weight that the ocean holds if it can drown even the sun out. Bjornson uses repetition to affirm his point of view. "What forth it draws must the one way wander. What once is sunken arises never. No message comes thence, no cry is heard thence; Its voice, its silence, can none interpret" (Bjornson). Through his use of cunning diction, he describes the ocean as a vast space of lifeless sorrow where only death prevails.

          Aided by literary devices, the historical context really unifies the central idea of the poem; The ocean is a heedless monster. Bjornson is a Norwegian born poet. His motif for writing the poem came from his cultural beliefs surrounding Kings Vikar and Olaf. The legendary tales of these cultural figures consisted of the ocean ruthlessly claiming two more victims. The fact that the kings were Norwegian, like himself, provides much more inspiration for the writer and evokes much more emotional appeal for the reader. This poem cast only one of the many perspectives that water can provide in literature. 

"A World Without Water" by Angela Wybrow

A World Without Water. Digital image. Betterlivingresources.name. N.p., 15 July 2013. Web. 27 Sept. 2015. <http://www.betterlivingresources.name/product/DVD106>.

A World Without Water by Angela Wybrow

Can you imagine a world without water? 
It would be a world which is totally altered.
Rivers and streams would no longer flow.
The oceans' tides wouldn't ebb to and fro.

Without the cooling and refreshing rain, 
Living things would struggle to remain.
With no fresh water, we'd have little to drink.
None of us would wash, so then we would stink.

Plants wouldn't grow: we would have no flowers.
There'd be no energy from hydro-electric power.
Radiators wouldn't work: there would be no heat.
We couldn't boil vegetables, eggs, or pasta to eat.

There would no longer be fish left in the sea: 
Many aquatic creatures would just cease to be.
There would be no pools, in which we could swim.
Lakes and reservoirs would be empty to their brim.

There would be no travelling by ship or by boat: 
There would be no water for either to float.
We wouldn't be able to wash the dog, or the car.
Without any water, we wouldn't get too far.

There would be no water to bind mixtures together.
We would soon get bored of constant hot weather.
We wouldn't be able to flush waste down our loo.
There are so many things which we couldn't do.

But in poorer countries, water is a precious blessing; 
The urgent need for water is a matter that is pressing.
In the UK, we can access water each and every day, 
But, what if, our water was suddenly taken away?

Hunter, Angela Wybrow - Poem. "A World Without Water" Poemhunter.com. N.p., 23 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Sept. 2015. <http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-world-without-water-3/>.

         

          "A World Without Water" by Angela Wybrow is different from many other poems. Though the subject matter of water is still the same, the approach to the reader is different. This poem appeals to the more logical side of thinks, rather than trying to gain support by evoking emotional appeal. The poem frequently gives the direct effect of a world without water instead of making the reader infer the intended meaning. The theme of the poem is that people take water for granted. "A World Without Water" is unique because the author directly tells the reader the aim of the poem, rather than through interpretations and inferences. It simply states what a world without water is like

          Since the poem lacks the usual hidden meanings involved with symbolism in most poetry, is has to make up for it with many other literary devices. At the beginning, Wybrow uses a rhetorical question to hook the reader. "Can you imagine a world without water?" (Wybrow) A world without water is quite a captivating thought. The whole poem acts as one large "if/then" statement. From the second line onward, Wybrow gives examples of the "then" part, or what a world without water would be like. "Without the cooling and refreshing rain, living things would struggle to remain." (Wybrow) This sort of cause and effect statement puts readers on the spot to either side with or against the author. Wybrow made the choice obvious when she says living things will die without water. 

         Repetition is widely uses in the poem to emphasize the severe effects of a world without water. "There would be no travelling by ship or by boat: There would be no water for either to float." (Wybrow) The poem is written in the first person point of view in order to secure a connection between the author and reader, thus trying to make the reader feel what the author is feeling. Ending on a lighter note, Wybrow took advantage of the subject and included a pun to lighten the mood of the poem a bit. "Lakes and reservoirs would be empty to their brim." (Wybrow)

"Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Reviva

Mississippi Queen. Digital image. Post Cards From. N.p., 4 Mar. 2003. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://www.postcardsfrom.com/t1/980724.html>.

"Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival

Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man ev'ry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been

Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river

Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
Pumped a lot of 'tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen

Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river

If you come down to the river
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have [if you got] no money
People on the river are happy to give

Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river

Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river

"Proud Mary Lyrics." - Creedence Clearwater Revival. John Fogerty, 2 Aug. 2005. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/creedence+clearwater+revival/proud+mary_20034308.html>.

           

            "Proud Mary" By Credence Clearwater Revival is an American classic that is sure to catch the attention of anyone listening. The song revolves around the theme of urban vs. rural life. The singer suggests that a rural lifestyle has more to offer in terms of family, support, love, etc. than an urban lifestyle. The lyrics embrace the idea of a tight-knit community associated with rural life.
           

            The song is told in the first person point of view. The song is also written as a "story," making it an anecdote as well. The combination of these two literary elements makes for a very convincing argument. They allow the reader to really envision what the singer is trying to get through to them. The diction, or lyrics, of the song also play an important role. The singer's rural dialect leads the listener to believe that the singer has already assumed a rural lifestyle because of its benefits. "But I never saw the good side of the city 'Till I hitched a ride on a river boat queen" (Credence Clearwater Revival). This implies that there is no benefit to city life from any point of view. The singer's best view of a city was the backside as he was leaving it on a riverboat.

            The singer's tone and the general feeling of the song are inspirational. Since the song is an anecdote, the singer's story allows him to be passionate about what he is singing about. The river in the song is a representation of how rural communities, especially those on a river, are physically and emotionally connected. "If you come down to the river Bet you gonna find some people who live You dont have to worry cause you have no money People on the river are happy to give" (Credence Clearwater Revival). The title, "Proud Mary," is a boat that represents the ever "turnin' and burnin'" love and support found in the rural lifestyle.

"Once In A Lifetime" by The Talking Heads

Digital image. Gawker.com. N.p., 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://gawker.com/5925595/todays-song-talking-heads-once-in-a-lifetime-the-reflex-near-re-vision>.

"Once In A Lifetime" by The Talking Heads

And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself
Well...How did I get here?

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime
Water flowing underground

And you may ask yourself
How do I work this?
And you may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime
Water flowing underground

Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...

Water dissolving...and water removing
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Under the water, carry the water at the bottom of the ocean
Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
Into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones
There is water underground

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime
Water flowing underground

And you may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
And you may ask yourself
Where does that highway go to?
And you may ask yourself
Am I right?...Am I wrong?
And you may say to yourself
My God!...What have I done?!

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
Into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones
There is water underground

Letting the days go by
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money's gone
Once in a lifetime
Water flowing underground

Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Look where my hand was
Time isn't holding up
Time is an asterisk
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...
Yeah, the twister comes
Here comes the twister
Same as it ever was...

"Talking Heads." - Once In A Lifetime Lyrics. N.p., 30 Dec. 2000. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://www.metrolyrics.com/once-in-a-lifetime-lyrics-talking-heads.html>.

            "Once In A Lifetime" by the Talking Heads is a peculiar 1980 hit that provides a lesson on life disguised by water. The theme of the song is that time never stops. The song's apparent subject is water, but the water really represents something deeper. The water in the song is symbolic of time's nonstop effect. "Into the blue again After the money's gone Once in a lifetime
Water flowing underground" (The Talking Heads). These lyrics address the fact that time stops for no one. Whether you have problems with family, money, etc., time will not stop for you; Time cannot stop for you. 

            "Water dissolving...and water removing There is water at the bottom of the ocean Under the water, carry the water at the bottom of the ocean Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean" (The Talking Heads).These lyrics are a metaphor comparing the water cycle in the ocean to the concept of time. This gives the listener something to compare the lyrics to and hopefully make the song easier to understand. The writers provide a comparison of the water cycle, which cannot stop, to time, which also cannot stop. Though some people may picture this to be solely a rock anthem, it contains a deeper meaning and valuable insight towards life. The title, "Once In A Lifetime," is a direct reference to the consequence of wasting time. The title is implying that certain opportunities may only present themselves once in a lifetime, and that one should take advantage of them when they can since time doesn't stop for anyone. The AABB rhyme scheme of the chorus makes the song very noticeable. "Letting the days go by Let the water hold me down Letting the days go by Water flowing underground" (The Talking Heads). The rhyme scheme also establishes a reliable pattern making it easier for the listener to follow along.

"Ripples on Water" by Blossom Mist

Ripple Effect. Digital image. Compliancestrategists.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. <http://compliancestrategists.com/csblog/2013/03/01/ripple-effect-lockheed-walks-talk/>.

"Ripples On Water" by Blossom Mist

Ripples on water light.

They shimmer and dance at night.

Like a lady swinging her hips in delight, 

Soft movements side by side.

The sun makes them sparkle, 

The moon makes them twinkle.

Like a baby’s charming giggle, 

Someone playing a soft fiddle.

As soft as tone from a flute, 

As s gypsy playing his lute.

When the wind suddenly becomes mute, 

Soft and silky as velvet absolute.

They flow as breeze with full delight, 

As small waves hitting the shore all night.

As tall palm that grows straight and upright

Keep moving as universe infinite.

As birds that soar high in the sky.

It seems the ripples like to fly.

They keep stirring the water and they try.

The even leave a mark on the desert dry.

For two eternal lovers, ocean and sky, 

They keep moving by and by.

They reflect the ocean and the sky, 

The ripples on the water and the high sky.

As earnest messengers they strive 

To bridge the gap for lovers aside.

They talk to the ocean and the sky.

To reach out, as they stay beside.

The ripples move the ocean

They make the sky cry.

As the lovers meet.

The ripples stay smiling close by. 

Mist, Blossom. "Ripples On Water" N.p.: n.p., 2012. Poemhunter.com. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

           "Ripples On Water" by Blossom Mist presents the cliché theme of inseparable love. It demonstrates that two people could be as far apart as the ocean and the sun, but if they love each other, they will remain connected forever. The ripples in the poem represent the ways in which love connects people. This poem is different from any other poem in the anthology as it shows water in a good light. The title of the poem could not be more basic. It simply indicates what the poem will be about.

      There are many ways an author can make a poem flow, whether it is through diction, syntax, rhyme scheme, or perhaps all three. The most important pattern in "Ripples On Water" is the rhyme scheme. Although the rhyme scheme may vary from stanza to stanza, it still accomplishes its purpose. The varying schemes give the poem a certain rhythm that makes it flow better.

       The poem pulls on the heartstrings a bit and brings upon a deep emotional impact. Mist's careful diction choice demonstrates that love can be infinite between two people, if true enough. "They flow as breeze will full delight, As small waves hitting the shore all night. As tall palm that grows straight and upright Keep moving as universe infinite" (Mist). Mist uses lots of imagery in order to provide the reader a visual medium to help to grasp the concept of the poem. "Ripples on water light. They shimmer and dance at night" (Mist). Although the imagery mainly appeals only to the reader's visual senses, it is still very effective. The main symbols in the story are the ocean and sky representing people in love. The author's tranquil diction effortlessly makes the ripples connect the ocean and the sky. "As earnest messengers they strive To bridge the gap for lovers aside" (Mist). According to this poem, love always prevails.

"Dirty Water" by The Standells

"Dirty Water" by The Standells

I'm gonna tell you a story
I'm gonna tell you about my town
I'm gonna tell you a big fat story, baby
Aw, it's all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles 
(Aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, muggers, and thieves
(Aw, but they're cool people)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home 
(Oh, you're the number one place)

Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (Oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin', oh
That just once those doors weren't locked 
(I like to save time for my baby to walk around)

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (Oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you're my home (Oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Baw-stun)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the Strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I'm the man, I'm the man)
I love that dirty water (Ow!)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)

Standells. The Standells Dirty Water. Rec. 1966. Atv Publishing, 1966. Vinyl recording.

Anderson, John. "World's Most Polluted River." MyScienceAcademy. My Science Academy, 04 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2015. <http://myscienceacademy.org/2014/02/05/worlds-most-polluted-river/>.

           

            Dirty water doesn't always have to be bad. "Dirty Water" by The Standells is a song that uses Boston and its "Dirty Water" to tell a story about acceptance. The song demonstrates people who have accepted their homes as a part of themselves. Specifically, the singer tells a story of how Boston is his home whether everything is perfect or even if he is surrounded by muggers and thieves.

            The song's setting is in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1966, when the song was written, the Charles River was as dirty as it is today. The lively beat of the song fits perfectly with the busy industrial setting of the Charles River. Along with the beat, the singer's cheerful tone helps to create the buoyant mood of the song. Symbolism is prevalent throughout "Dirty Water." The title itself represents some of the less desirable characteristics of Boston, whether it be the people or the dirty Charles River. "Yeah, down by the river Down by the banks of the river Charles (aw, that's what's happenin' baby) That's where you'll find me Along with lovers, muggers, and thieves (aw, but they're cool people)" (The Standells). These lyrics infer that the singer does not divide his city into the good or the bad, or the clean or the dirty, but has accepted the city as a whole. If the singer could be found down by the dirty water with the muggers and the thieves, one can assume that he is comfortable with Boston as his home.

            The point of view plays an important role in the song. The first person point of view allows the listener to better visualize Boston through the eyes of the singer. "I'm gonna tell you a story I'm gonna tell you about my town I'm gonna tell you a big fat story, baby Aw, it's all about my town" (The Standells). The use of the possessive pronoun "my" shows that the singer has accepted Boston. The singer's repetition of the phrase "I love that dirty water" emphasizes his love for Boston. "Dirty Water" maintains basically the same chorus, or reoccurring stanza, throughout the song. "Well I love that dirty water Oh, Boston, you're my home" (The Standells). This chorus makes the statement that the singer has definitely welcomed Boston as a part of himself even after going through the muggers and the thieves and that dirty water.