1. Lyrical Language and Imagery: Woodson uses vivid and evocative language to paint pictures in the reader's mind. Words like "golden" and "shimmering" create a sense of beauty and warmth, while descriptions of the characters' feelings, like "a sadness that was like the weight of a stone in her chest," evoke a sense of emotional depth.
2. Rhythm and Repetition: Although not a poem in the traditional sense, the text has a rhythmic flow that contributes to its lyrical quality. The repeated phrase "almost a summer sky" acts as a refrain, emphasizing the recurring theme of yearning for something just out of reach.
3. Symbolism: The "almost a summer sky" itself is a powerful symbol representing the characters' hopes and dreams that are always close, but never quite attainable. The sky also represents the beauty and freedom they long for, but are unable to fully experience due to the limitations of their circumstances.
4. Evocative Structure: Woodson uses short, fragmented sentences and vivid imagery to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy. This structure mirrors the characters' fragmented memories and the fleeting nature of their experiences.
5. Emotional Impact: "Almost a Summer Sky" is a deeply moving story that resonates with readers on an emotional level. The use of poetic elements, such as lyrical language, symbolism, and evocative structure, intensifies the impact of the story and allows readers to experience the characters' emotions deeply.
In conclusion, while "Almost a Summer Sky" is a novel, it borrows heavily from poetic devices to enhance its narrative and create a truly immersive and emotionally resonant reading experience.