i only find simile not metaphor in here. simile be in 4th stanza but i not understand it. i also not get how it aids to create feeling, or tone.
i guess he only be describing his land. do that be theme?
i not understand most lines in poem
The Lonely Land by A.J.M. Smith
Cedar and jagged fir
uplift sharp barbs
against the gray
and cloud-piled sky;
and in the bay
blown spume and windrift by the wind
and thin, bitter spray
snap
at the whirling sky;
and the pine trees
lean one way.
A wild duck calls
to her mate,
and the ragged
and passionate tones
stagger and fall,
and recover,
and stagger and fall,
on these stones -
are lost
in the lapping of water
on smooth, flat stones.
This is a beauty
of dissonance,
this resonance
of stony strand
this smoky cry
curled over a black pine
like a broken
and wind-battered branch
when the wind
bends the tops of the pines
and curdles the sky
from the north
This is the beauty
of strength
broken by strength
and still strong.
Nearly the entire poem is description to support the poet's assertion in the last stanza.
This is what he's describing:
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/152/429832893_18f133527f.jpg
Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you imagine what battering this tree has taken over its lifetime so far?
Note the individual words that have common associations:stagger, fall. note the repetition of vowel sounds within the lines to strengthen the mood.note how short the lines and words are, to mimic the nature of the scenery--harsh, barren, ie., tough.
In the poem "The Lonely Land" by A.J.M. Smith, you mentioned that you only found a simile and not a metaphor. The simile you're referring to is most likely the comparison between the wild duck's cry and the sound of a broken and wind-battered branch. The poet uses the words "like" or "as" to make this comparison explicit.
To understand how the simile aids in creating feeling or tone, we can analyze the effect it produces. The comparison between the duck's cry and the broken branch suggests a sense of vulnerability and struggle in the lonely and harsh environment described in the poem. It evokes a sense of desolation and turmoil, amplifying the overall mood and tone of the poem.
Regarding your assumption that the poet is only describing his land, it is possible that the land serves as a thematic element in the poem. However, it is important to note that themes can vary and be interpreted differently by different readers. It would be helpful to analyze the poem further to identify any additional themes that may emerge.
Moving on to your difficulty in understanding most lines of the poem, it seems that you need assistance in deciphering its meaning. Poetry can often be ambiguous, requiring careful analysis and interpretation. To gain a better understanding, I suggest breaking down the poem line by line and examining the imagery, language, and symbols used. Pay attention to the mood, tone, and overall atmosphere created by the author's choices.
Additionally, researching the poet A.J.M. Smith and any background information related to the poem might provide helpful context. Exploring possible connections between the poet's life and the themes presented in the poem could also contribute to a deeper understanding.
Remember, interpreting poetry is subjective, and different interpretations can coexist. It's essential to engage with the text, explore its nuances, and draw your own conclusions, supported by evidence from the poem.