One of the most famous lines in English literature, "water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" is from the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This hauntingly beautiful poem tells the tale of a sailor who is cursed after he kills an albatross. The sailor is left stranded at sea, surrounded by water that he cannot drink.
The line "water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" has become a metaphor for being surrounded by abundance yet unable to benefit from it. It speaks to the irony of having a resource readily available but being unable to use it due to certain circumstances.
In the poem, the sailor's plight serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and thoughtless actions. It also explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
If you are interested in learning more about "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and its themes, you can visit The Poetry Foundation for the full text of the poem. This website provides a wealth of information on classic poems and their significance in literature.
Overall, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the human condition and the consequences of our actions make it a must-read for anyone interested in poetry and literature.
So next time you hear the phrase "water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink," you'll know that it comes from a famous poem that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its powerful imagery and themes.
Julia Taymor
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