Figurative language

Figurative language of the poem

Passage of the poem Interpretation/Meaning

• Over the city the moon rides in • Moon is compared with

mist, menstrual cycle and the female
element.

• scrim scarred with faint • Trying to pretend to be

rainbow. something you really aren’t.
 Figurative language of the poem
Passage of the poem Interpretation/Meaning

• The thin clouds run slow, slow, • Expresses the idea that the
the wind bells bleed the couple is unable to have a child.
quietest of possible musics to Nature here is either thwarted or
the dark lawn. prevented.
 Figurative language of the poem
Passage of the poem
• Down at the river, there is a tall
ghost tossing flowers to dark
water—jessamine, rose, and
daisy, salvia lyrata . . .
Interpretation/Meaning
• Jessamine, rose. Traditionally used in
wedding garlands, and represent purity.
• the “daisy” the flower customarily given
to new mothers, but it also indicates that
the recipient is skilled at keeping secrets.
• Salvia lyrata”, lyre-leaf sage, is known for
its medicinal properties, but the ellipsis
highlights what the narrator is unable to
reconcile himself with: that all thoughts
of healing are fruitless.
 Figurative language of the poem
Passage of the poem Interpretation/Meaning

• Children bear children. We are • Expresses the idea of the woman

grown, and time has thrown us (moon) can’t and no longer
free under the timeless moon conceived a child as of time as
essence.