I may be smelly and I may be old, Rough in my pebbles…
“I may be smelly and I may be old, Rough in my pebbles, reedy in my pools, But where my fish float by I bless their swimming, And I like the people to bathe in me especially women.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem uses vivid, slightly grotesque imagery to celebrate the river’s life‑giving qualities, especially for women, despite its roughness.
In simple terms: Even a rough river can nurture and please.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate nature’s paradoxes.
Themes
nature
gender
beauty
paradox
renewal
Mood
playful
reverent
Type
poetic
literary
When to use this quote
- river recreation
- environmental education
- poetry readings
Key Concepts
symbolism
environmental appreciation
feminine perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the river reflect human experience?
- What does the poet suggest about gender and nature?
A Different Perspective
The sensual tone may be misinterpreted without context.