Write a short essay of 350-400 words.
1. Examine some central image or linked images in one of the imagery poems.
2. What is the relationship between the imagery to the tone or feeling or movement of the poem?
3. What connections can you make between the imagery and the meaning of the poem?
4. In your introduction clearly state what image(s) or imagery you will examine and how it contributes to the meaning of the poem.
In your body paragraphs, examine how the imagery makes an impression and moves the poem toward some larger impression or idea or meaning of the poem.
My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun (764)
My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –
In Corners – till a Day
The Owner passed – identified –
And carried Me away –
And now We roam in Sovreign Woods –
And now We hunt the Doe –
And every time I speak for Him
The Mountains straight reply –
And do I smile, such cordial light
Opon the Valley glow –
It is as a Vesuvian face
Had let it’s pleasure through –
And when at Night – Our good Day done –
I guard My Master’s Head –
’Tis better than the Eider Duck’s
Deep Pillow – to have shared –
To foe of His – I’m deadly foe –
None stir the second time –
On whom I lay a Yellow Eye –
Or an emphatic Thumb –
Though I than He – may longer live
He longer must – than I –
For I have but the power to kill,
Without – the power to die –