The simile of a cup of tea
The poet compares the holding of hands to a cup of tea. The author writes, “To hold in the hands like a cup of tea, always full and always empty, the earthy asymmetry of the world.” The simile explains the unevenness of the earth and its inhabitants. However, the author concludes that despite the world's imperfections, all human beings are equal before the creator's eyes.
The simile of the mirror
The simile of the mirror is critical in this poem because it represents individual reflection. An individual gets a sense of being after reflecting on the past and coming up with new tactics to face the future with intelligence and optimism. The author compares the broken panes of water to the leaded glass. The author writes, "To the talking mirror of water. To the broken panes of water laid in the earth like leaded glass."
The swelling of the moon (Metaphor)
The author metaphorically uses the swelling of the moon to represent violence on earth. According to the author, the world could have been the best place if it were peaceful. However, the poet reminds readers that the world is full of imperfections that create division and disparity. One of the main challenges facing the earth is violence, leading to poverty and unequal treatment of people.
The metaphor of the wooden town
The wooden town is a metaphor that represents possibilities. The author talks about water that walks over stones through the long wooden town. The stones are the life hurdles that people encounter daily in the struggles. The water represents determined people who are resilient in their endeavors to succeed in life. Therefore, the wooden town is full of opportunities, but only to be determined, hardworking, and focused.
The simile of the road
The road is a metaphor representing life's journey. There is no single road that is straight from the starting point to its destination. The road can have sharp corners, climbing lanes, potholes, and pumps. However, the author argues that no obstacle can stop water from flowing towards its destination. Consequently, the author compares the traveling water to a sharp section of the road. The author writes, "The water travels as sharp as section-line road through the prairie.”
