Post by whotrollsnigh on Jun 17, 2020 13:37:55 GMT -5
First read this post about defining clues as paths, not locations: Clues as paths, not locations | MysteriousWritings Forum
"Begin it where warm waters halt..." is the first clue.
But if clues are paths, then the starting location is already known and the first clue points the reader to the second location.
Every word in the poem is deliberate. So why did f choose a subjective term like warm? What does warm mean?
Many have sought answers by focusing on what warm IS. But perhaps f wanted the reader to figure out what warm IS NOT.
Everyone's interpretation of what water temperature is warm can be placed on a spectrum with clearly defined upper and lower boundaries:
Water is not warm below 32 degrees and water is not warm above 212 degrees.
No water temperature between 32 degrees and 212 degrees can be categorically excluded from warm.
Waters is plural in the poem to draw attention to these two boundaries containing warm water temperatures.
32 degrees and 212 degrees are 180 degrees apart, and therefore form a straight path across a compass.
This path enlightens "And take it in the canyon down," where the down boundary of warm water temperature (32 degrees) becomes the northerly direction one must travel.
Maybe.
"Begin it where warm waters halt..." is the first clue.
But if clues are paths, then the starting location is already known and the first clue points the reader to the second location.
Every word in the poem is deliberate. So why did f choose a subjective term like warm? What does warm mean?
Many have sought answers by focusing on what warm IS. But perhaps f wanted the reader to figure out what warm IS NOT.
Everyone's interpretation of what water temperature is warm can be placed on a spectrum with clearly defined upper and lower boundaries:
Water is not warm below 32 degrees and water is not warm above 212 degrees.
No water temperature between 32 degrees and 212 degrees can be categorically excluded from warm.
Waters is plural in the poem to draw attention to these two boundaries containing warm water temperatures.
32 degrees and 212 degrees are 180 degrees apart, and therefore form a straight path across a compass.
This path enlightens "And take it in the canyon down," where the down boundary of warm water temperature (32 degrees) becomes the northerly direction one must travel.
Maybe.