Can anyone find any poetic devices in this poem?
(metaphors, similes, personification, etc)
AMBITION BY DES WALSH
Once upon a time
A poor man
Named Marcus
Sat all day
Hoping for food
Outside a kitchen door
At night he would think
Of the golden sands
Where he used to walk
Before the days of his captivity
Or of books he read
Tales of gods
And heroes
Of argonauts
And the golden fleece
And he thought that some day
He would write a book
About himself
A book where he would
Work in the kitchen.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1316716280
To find any poetic devices in the given poem, we need to analyze its content and identify any figures of speech used. Here's a breakdown of the potential poetic devices in the poem "Ambition" by Des Walsh:
1. Imagery: The poem begins with the line "Once upon a time," which creates a vivid mental picture and establishes a narrative tone.
2. Metaphor: The line "Sat all day / Hoping for food / Outside a kitchen door" can be seen as a metaphor for the character's longing for better circumstances. It suggests that he is in a state of dependency and seeks nourishment (both literal and metaphorical) from a higher authority.
3. Personification: The phrase "Before the days of his captivity" personifies the concept of captivity, giving it human-like qualities. It implies that the poor man feels trapped or imprisoned in his current situation.
4. Allusion: The references to "golden sands" and "argonauts / And the golden fleece" allude to Greek mythology and epic tales. They add layers of meaning and provide a contrast between the protagonist's current impoverished state and his previous encounters with grandeur and adventure.
5. Ambition: While not a poetic device in itself, the central theme of ambition runs throughout the poem. The protagonist's dreams of writing a book about himself and working in the kitchen reflect his aspirations for a better life and a desire to transcend his current circumstances.
These are the potential poetic devices that can be identified in the poem. It's important to note that interpretation can be subjective, so you may find other poetic devices or have a different analysis based on your perspective.