Question

Why there is not a single drop of water to drink ? (On the ocean poem )

Answer 1

In this poem, the “mariner” is a paying passenger on a ship in the days of tall ships but no engines. He takes his bow and shoots an albatross that is flying around the boat. the sailors are all horrified at his foolishness because he will certainly have cursed the entire ship because of his actions. They tie the albatross around his neck in hopes of appeasing the wrath that is surely coming their way. But to no avail. the ship becomes perpetually becalmed and all the crew are nearing death of thirst. In his anguish, forever thirsty but not able to quench his thirst, he says this line.

Day after day, day after day,

We stuck, nor breath nor motion;

As idle as a painted ship

Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, every where,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, every where,

Nor any drop to drink.