Water by Philip Larkin
'Water' aims to challenge religion and it's followers. As an atheist, Larkin believes that all religions are fake as he describes 'if I were called in to construct a religion' which suggests that Larkin wants to create his own beliefs because he doesn't agree with the current religions. Moreover, Larkin believes that the institution of religion has morphed into a construct used to exploit the vulnerable, religion is man made therefore it is fake.
Larkin expresses how 'Going to church would entail a fording' which implies that it would be a great effort for Larkin to take part in going to church, he doesn't trust the organisation. Larkin then uses the line 'To dry, different clothes' which is an obvious criticism of religion. It suggests that the clothes donned for going to church, the Sunday best' are artificial and only worn on this particular day of the week.
The images of water grow more intense as the poem moves forwards. From the 'fording' of the second stanza, we are presented with 'A furious devout drench.' This could suggest how believers of religions constantly try to 'drench' you with their beliefs when you do not want to acknowledge them.
In the last stanza, the word 'Congregate' is used which reminds us of the congregation in a church where people come together. But the fact that the poem never refers to god or any religious value takes it beyond simple 'religion.' All the religions seem to be lacking the simplicity of water which suggests that they overcomplicate.
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