Kavanagh begins the poem describing the plants along the canal as `leafy with love.' This is a very elegant opening to the poem, and suggests that the plants along the bank have been nurtured with Gods love. This already introduces the theme of religion in a major way and continues its importance throughout the poem.

Kavanagh begins to first describe the scenery of the canal with purity, `The green waters of the canal' he then begins to give the poem religious significance, as well as purity when he portrays the canal as baptismal water `Pouring redemption for me'. This is also the idea of rebirth in a religious sense because when you are baptised into Christianity it is a symbol of being reborn. Kavanagh is trying to show his respect for the world, and also for God and that his life has now become...