What mystery pervades a well!

The well is self-contained, yet full of magic and mystery, straddling the border of the constructed and natural worlds.

Initially, the well water is described as a benevolent force: “A neighbor from another world / Residing in a jar” (Lines 3-4). This image brings to mind a friendly genie in a bottle, contrasting containment and otherworldly magic. Although the water has an unknown depth forever out of reach, it remains within safe boundaries imposed upon it by mankind. The speaker can enjoy its mysteries without any risk of becoming lost in them. The next stanza, however, introduces the well’s more sinister aspect: “an abyss's face” (Line 12). While the water is still restrained within the boundaries of the well, this moment hints at the true potential of nature.

Through the image of the well the reader can also explore the relationship between nature and man. People who own the land have created a tunnel to a natural resource for their own benefit: the harvest of fresh water. While this is characteristic of humanity’s relationship with nature, the image of the sea—water that is unbounded—shows the arrogance of ignoring the much larger natural system.