Crossing the Water
Crossing the Water - context Summary
Published in 1971
Published in 1971 in the collection Crossing the Water, Sylvia Plath's poem evokes a meditative, nocturnal crossing. Stark images — a black lake, two figures in a boat, dark lilies and silent stars — stage a move from visible world into inwardness. The poem reflects the darkness and introspection typical of Plath's later work, suggesting emotional isolation, a sense of finality, and a quietly ominous, transformative passage.
Read Complete AnalysesBlack lake, black boat, two black, cut-paper people. Where do the black trees go that drink here? Their shadows must cover Canada. A little light is filtering from the water flowers. Their leaves do not wish us to hurry: They are round and flat and full of dark advice. Cold worlds shake from the oar. The spirit of blackness is in us, it is in the fishes. A snag is lifting a valedictory, pale hand; Stars open among the lilies. Are you not blinded by such expressionless sirens? This is the silence of astounded souls.
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