Poem Analysis - Entrance Of The Rivers

A Poem of Creation and Power

Pablo Neruda's "Entrance Of The Rivers" is a powerful, evocative poem that celebrates the elemental force of water and its connection to a feminine, almost mythical figure. The poem unfolds as a journey of creation, tracing the path of rivers from their origins to their eventual impact on the landscape. The tone is initially reverent and sensual, gradually building to a forceful and assertive declaration of water's power. The poem blends images of softness and strength, vulnerability and dominance, creating a rich and complex portrait of nature's transformative potential.

The Goddess of Water: A Source of Life

One central theme of the poem is the personification of water as a goddess. This is evident from the opening lines, "Beloved of the rivers, beset / By azure water and transparent drops," which address a feminine entity intimately connected to the water. The phrase "dark goddess biting apples" introduces a hint of both temptation and knowledge, linking her to archetypal figures of female power. Her subsequent "awakening naked / To be tattoed by the rivers" suggests a rebirth and a complete integration with the natural world. The poem uses this figure to explore the themes of creation and life-giving energy, emphasizing the essential role of water in sustaining the world.

The Sculpting Power of Rivers

Another significant theme in "Entrance Of The Rivers" is the transformative power of nature, specifically the ability of water to shape and reshape the world. The poem emphasizes the relentless and forceful action of the rivers as they carve their paths: "And hauled the riverbeds to the sand / Across the planetary night, / Crossing rough, dilated stone, / Breaking down on the way / All the salt of geology." These lines convey the immense power of the rivers to erode rock, transport sediment, and alter the very landscape over vast stretches of time. This theme is reinforced by the poem's imagery, which depicts the rivers as actively working to reshape the earth, highlighting their agency and influence.

From Gentle Dew to Crashing Force

The poem is filled with vivid imagery, most notably the contrast between delicate and powerful forms of water. Images of "azure water and transparent drops" and "new dew" create a sense of fragility and purity. This contrasts sharply with the later descriptions of the rivers "crossing rough, dilated stone" and "dislodging the muscles of quartz," which emphasize their brute force. This contrast serves to highlight the multifaceted nature of water, illustrating its capacity for both gentle nurturing and powerful destruction. The image of "salt of geology" also functions as a symbol of the ancient past being broken down and reshaped by the rivers. This cycle of erosion and creation is central to the poem's message.

Conclusion: Water's Enduring Legacy

"Entrance Of The Rivers" is a celebration of the power and beauty of water, personified as a powerful goddess inextricably linked to the natural world. Through vivid imagery and a dynamic tone, Neruda crafts a compelling vision of creation and transformation. The poem emphasizes the enduring legacy of water, its ability to both nurture life and reshape the very landscape itself. The poem invites us to consider the profound impact of nature's forces and our own connection to the elemental power of water.