What are the symbols in the poem "Cooks Brook" By Al Pittman?

The main symbol in the
poem "Cooks Brook" is the water to which the divers must plunge into. The boys, poised
to take the plunge into the dark and dangerous water, consider the hidden challenges that lie
just below the surface of the water.

Symbolically, the dive represents the
leap into manhood for the boys. The boys know that

It
would be better to die
Skull smashed open in the water
Than it would be to
climb
Backwards down to the beach.

Therefore,
the leap not only symbolizes the transfer to manhood (only the bravest prove themselves to be
men by jumping), it also represents courage and strength--two characteristics looked highly upon
when one is being considered a man or not.