Water in Dale Wisely's Poem "Wave"

How does Dale Wisely characterize water in the poem "Wave"?

A. gives life
B. Takes life
C. gives and takes life
D. is life

Answer:

C. gives and takes life

In the poem Dale Wisely describes water as an element that both gives and takes life. The stanza in the poem reads:

"Waters split the firmament,

dividing heaven from earth

in a splashy feat of parting

here from… there."

This stanza illustrates the separation between heaven and earth, symbolizing the transition from life on earth to life beyond. Water is portrayed as the element that connects these two realms, where living things are born on earth and transition to the heavens after their life ends.