Meaning of Rupert Brooke's "The Dead"

[havok_forever]

Hi! I've been a long time reader of this forum and have finally joined :)

I am having trouble with the meaning of a few lines of Rupert Brooke's poem "The Dead"

I do not understand the majority of the second verse. Especially the line "there are waters blown by changing winds to laughter, and lit by rich skies all day, and after, frost with a gesture stays the waves that dance. And wondering loveliness". What exactly does he mean by "waters"?


Here is the poem:
These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth.
The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.

There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,
Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night


Thank you!

[quasimodo1]

There is a reasonably good analysis here... http://www.fratfiles.com/essays/135368.html q1

[havok_forever]

There is a reasonably good analysis here... http://www.fratfiles.com/essays/135368.html q1

Thank you for answering :) You have to register though to read it.