Poem: “Water” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

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American Literature – American Poetry – Ralph Waldo Emerson – Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Water

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The water understands
Civilization well;
It wets my foot, but prettily
It chills my life, but wittily,
It is not disconcerted,
It is not broken-hearted:
Well used, it decketh joy,
Adorneth, doubleth joy:
Ill used, it will destroy,
In perfect time and measure
With a face of golden pleasure
Elegantly destroy.

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American Literature – American Poetry – Ralph Waldo Emerson – Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson

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