Sasha Stevens - Outside Reading-Water by Ralph Waldo Emerson- 2/9/2023

 I read Water by Ralph Waldo Emerson and thought that the poem nicely talks on the beauty and destruction of water. As we talked in class with our guest speaker on water I thought that this related nicely to that discussion. Water is essential and can be used for so many things. Whether it be power, irrigation, a spiritual connection to entities, and it's importance in the survival of everything. My favorite part was how he says "Well used, it decketh joy...Ill used, it will destroy"(lines 7 and 9) this speaks on both the beauty and pain that water can be used. The hoover dam failed bc of the water levels decreasing below the required amount to produce power. This caused the dam to be rendered almost useless and now several dams across the US are being dismantled. These dams have caused lots of issues for surrounding areas as they pug up water access to other areas. Water was used unwisely here and the costs are being paid for. Like Emerson said, if its ill used it will destroy. These dams destroyed many areas that could have used the water and wildlife as well. This poem is beautifully written and speaks well on using water wisely. 

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