Why is Taylor's passage 'With rivers like green ribbons smaragdine' rich in imagery?

Look at the definition of "imagery" --

http://dictionary.reference.com/define/imagery -- especially definitions 1 and 2.

How is that passage different from just writing "the rivers"?

Taylor's passage, "With rivers like green ribbons smaragdine," is rich in imagery because it uses vivid language to create mental images that appeal to the reader's senses. To understand why this passage is rich in imagery, we can break it down:

1. "Rivers" - This word immediately brings to mind the image of flowing water, and it likely associates with the sound and movement of a river. It creates a visual image of a natural waterway.

2. "Green" - This color adds a specific visual aspect to the rivers. It conveys freshness, vibrancy, and the lushness of nature. Green is often associated with growth and life, connecting the image of the rivers to the natural world.

3. "Ribbons" - By comparing the rivers to ribbons, Taylor introduces a new visual element. Ribbons are typically thin, long, and flowing, which evokes the idea of movement and grace. It adds a sense of delicacy and beauty to the image being described.

4. "Smaragdine" - This word, derived from "smaragd," meaning emerald, represents a bright green color with hints of blue. It intensifies the visual aspect of the passage by invoking an image of a rich, gem-like shade of green, making the rivers more captivating and enchanting.

By combining these elements, Taylor creates a vivid mental picture in the reader's mind. The imagery of "rivers," "green," "ribbons," and "smaragdine" stimulates the reader's visual imagination, bringing the scene to life in a descriptive and enticing way.