10/12 Rodney Jones

I think that in this poem Jones is arguing that language is very powerful and once something is said you can't take it back. The words are out there to circulate. I think the man wading out thigh-deep into the water symbolizes him taking a risk and showing emotion in speaking to someone. The alcohol that he is holding then gives him the courage to express himself in ways that he may not have done. It has given him liquid courage. Him pouring the alcohol into the water shows that he has just crossed the line or gone to a point of no return. He cannot get back the rum that he has just poured into the ocean, just as he cannot take back the words that he has just said; it is impossible to filter it out. Even though he regrets dumping the alcohol, he has done it and must suffer the consequences and regret now. It is the same for the words that he has said. He may not have meant them at all but that doesn't matter now. It is said and done.