Rereading the poem offers up other images too, such as "If you are the profaned city / I am the rain of consecration" (Paz). Here, the relationship between the positive first line and the opposing second line seems to change. The first line has become the "problem" line and the second line the "solution" line, and the relationship is transposed, just as power and leadership can change from time to time in any relationship. Rereading this poem brings out even more complexities and underlying meanings in the poem, so it is easy to see why Paz was such a fan of rereading his and others works. Finally, this poem seems to be about the natural world and complex relationships, but it is really a poem about life and how a person lives their life. It shows that relationships, like life, can be complex and difficult, but that they can be exhilarating, too. The language of the poem moves the poem in a full circle, just like the passing of a day, and it brings closure to the poem and the reader. It is beautiful and haunting in a way, and it is a little frightening and garish, too. The author clearly knows how to use the English language effectively, which is an important aspect of poetry, which has to get a message across in a much smaller space than a short story or novel does. He uses very vivid images in the poem to stir the reader and make them think. For example, he writes, "If you are the...
Immediately, the image of a sunbeam, "cutting" an orange open becomes real to the reader, and that is a good example of how he paints vivid images with his language and context.Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
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