You have noticed elements of anaphora and repetition in this poem - “...the tide rises, the tide falls…” - but in this case it is not for the sake of an argument. Briefly explain the effect that the author is trying to create, thinking about actual tides in nature.
The repetition of "the tide rises, the tide falls" in this poem serves to create a sense of rhythm and continuity, mimicking the natural ebb and flow of the tides in nature. The anaphora of this phrase emphasizes the cyclical nature of the tide, reinforcing the idea that it is a constant and inevitable occurrence.
By using this repetition, the author is trying to evoke a sense of time passing and the transient nature of life. The tides, like the passage of time, continue to rise and fall, unaffected by human existence. This repetition also creates a musical quality to the poem, adding to its lyrical and meditative tone.
Moreover, the repetition reflects the theme of mortality and the insignificance of human beings in the face of nature's grandeur. Just as the tides rise and fall without regard for human life, the poem suggests that life goes on even after death, rendering human existence as fleeting and inconsequential.
Overall, the effect of the anaphora and repetition in this poem is to convey the perpetual motion of the tides, the passing of time, and the reminder of humanity's impermanence in the larger scheme of the natural world.