7. Analysis

The poem 'The River' by C.A. Bowles talks about the journey of a river. Although it may seem that the poem is about the stages of a river from its origin to reaching its destination, it metaphorically speaks about an individual's life from birth to death. When a child is born, it is not stressed about life's purposes and is only concerned about playing. It is carefree and runs around with sparkling joy, among flowers, collecting pebbles. It slowly grows, and responsibilities swell up, having to go through some rough patches in life. But at the same time, they get to enjoy the beauty and fun associated with youth as well. Then comes the prime life of an individual when one is brimming with life, which leads one to the final stage, which is death. But death is only the end of one's life on earth. One's soul lives for an entirety, therefore making us immortal.