"the sea-violet / fragile as agate, / lies fronting all the wind"
The speaker describes the white sea violet as "fragile as agate," which is a rock known for its color variation. Perhaps this simile suggests that the sea violet, and the women the flower represent, may have endured hardships and become haggard, but are therefore various, unique, and exquisite. We might feel sorry for the sea violet, but the speaker then notes that the sea violet "lies fronting all the wind." This phrase implies that as a symbol of feminine grit, the sea violet is brave and strong. Resilient against the relentless wind, the sea violet perseveres despite its precarious position. These lines introduce the metaphor for a female subject that is both aware and open regarding her suffering, but stands stalwart, wise, and determined.
"who would change for these / one root of the white sort?"
The speaker questions who would give up even one root of the rustic, worn sea violet for the healthy blue violets fluttering on the hill. Although the lines are framed as a question, the implication is that the speaker asks because she cannot imagine who would want to give up a white violet, or even the root of one. The fact that she is struggling to imagine how someone could overlook the value of the white violet indicates how strongly she feels about its substance. She clearly prefers the gritty resilience of the sea violet over the beauty, perfection, and innocent existence of the blue violets. Once the reader realizes how strongly the speaker feels about the value of the sea violet, the extended metaphor of sea violet as the new feminine ideal has a powerful and empowering effect.
"but you catch the light—frost, a star edges with its fire."
In these final lines, the speaker re-emphasizes the value, intensity, and sublimity of the sea violet. The flower is so radiant and potent in its reflection of light that the speaker is reminded of both the glittering, pervasive nature of frost on a cold day, and the bright, awe-inspiring fire of a far away star. The speaker's use of the word "catch" is important, because the word suggests that the sea violet is active and full of agency, despite bearing harsh circumstances and damage. Also worth noting is that the metaphors of frost and fire suggest the sea violet contains a polarity or duality that renders the flower rich, complex, and well-rounded. As a metaphor for the female subject, the sea violet is thus precious in its unique, exquisite composure, impressive in its potency, and deserving of admiration for its experience and stamina. H.D. seems to suggest that all of these qualities, symbolized by the sea violet, should be coveted and respected over conventional feminine allure.
