The Poem:
This old black music of these lovely things:
The golden sunset, the purple dusk, the moonrise in May,
The blue of the sea and the sound of its waves,
The red of the ripe strawberries, the pink of the roses,
The white of the lilies and the fragrance of the jasmine,
The song of the birds, the laughter of the children,
The love of a woman, the joy of creation.
Questions about the Poem:
1. What is the poet's subject matter in "These Lovely Things"?
- The poet celebrates the beauty found in nature, everyday moments, and human emotions.
2. What color imagery is used in the poem?
- The poem employs color imagery, such as "golden," "purple," "blue," "red," "pink," and "white," to evoke vibrant and picturesque descriptions.
3. How does the poet use sensory details in the poem?
- The poem is enriched with sensory details, including visual imagery (e.g., "golden sunset"), auditory elements (e.g., "the sound of its waves"), and olfactory experiences (e.g., "the fragrance of the jasmine").
4. What emotions or moods does the poem convey?
- The poem conveys a sense of appreciation, wonder, and joy, as the poet marvels at the beauty and loveliness of the world.
5. What is the overall tone of the poem?
- The overall tone of the poem is positive, uplifting, and celebrative, highlighting the beauty and preciousness of life's simple pleasures.
6. What figurative language is used in the poem?
- The poem contains personification, when the black music is presented as an old character.
7. What might be the poet's intention in presenting these lovely things?
- The poet aims to capture the essence of beauty and remind readers to cherish and appreciate the simple wonders that surround them.