Water

This poem discusses religion looking at the different ways it is practiced, and the different roles water plays in it. It regular structure allows the poem to flow like water and also reflects how religion repeats itself through history. The poem suggests that religion, like water should be taken in moderation. 

Stanza 1:

• 'If I' demonstrates the personal opinion of the persona coming through. 
• 'To construct a religion' suggests it is something that should be done with care, thought and time, suggesting that people don't take it seriously enough. 

Stanza 2:

• 'going to church would entail' shows how people can practice religion in lots of different ways and none are necessarily right of wrong. 
• Paradox of 'fording to dry' suggests that some water/religion is good, if it is the right amount, not too much can do good things. 

Stanza 3:

• 'images of sousing' suggests that some people take religion too far, plunging themselves in, reinforced by 'a furious devout drench' which demonstrates religion being too forceful, powerful and possibly aggressive. 

Stanza 4:

• 'a glass of water' demonstrates the right amount of religion, neither too much or too little.7
• 'where any-angled light' suggests it would accept everyone, and not judge or discriminate as some religions do. 
• 'would congregate endlessly', demonstrates that it is not about how much you have, as he suggests religion in moderation can have 'endless' impact.