Meaning of the River.

Are you wondering why it is the River and what it has to do with a wanderer, a singer, a baby and a monster? Let me explain to you the meaning behind this poem.

Literal meaning

The river is a natural phenomenon on the Earth.It moves from its source to its mouth and journeys non-stop through hills and valleys (wanderer). As it travels, it twists and turns and goes where it likes (traveller). Along the way, the river inadvertently collects things and these stays in the river bed (hoarder). As it moves over lowlands, the water gurgles with a happy sound (baby). At steep drops where there is a waterfall, the water moves or dances swiftly and falls with a loud roar that echoes through the valley (singer). But the river can cause erosion by pulling down trees and creating floods (monster).

Figurative meaning

Man is like the river as he journeys through life. In life, man may become a traveller, a nomad and a wanderer and does not stay in a specific place. A man without a home may be a tramp. With no fixed place in mind, man can turn and take any road he likes. On his travels, man may collect souvenirs as keepsakes. Man can be childlike when he is happy with his station in life. He shows his happiness with joyous acts. People around him can feel or hear his happiness. Man is destroyer when his anger is aroused. He may destroy everything and anything that get in his way.