* Metaphor:
* "Blessing the boats" itself is a metaphor. It's not literally about blessing boats, but about expressing gratitude and hope for the journeys of life.
* "The water will carry me" is a metaphor for the experiences and challenges of life carrying us forward.
* Personification:
* "The river sings a song" gives human qualities to the river, suggesting a sense of purpose and movement.
* "The water will carry me / ... and I will keep my eyes open" implies a relationship between the speaker and the water, suggesting a shared journey.
* Symbolism:
* Boats: Represent journeys, life's course, or the vessels that carry us through challenges.
* Water: Can symbolize the flow of time, emotions, and the ever-changing nature of life.
* River: Represents the path of life, full of twists and turns.
* Imagery:
* The poem creates vivid images: "The river sings a song," "the water will carry me," "the moon is a pearl," "the stars like diamonds."
* Repetition:
* The repeated phrase "blessing the boats" reinforces the speaker's act of gratitude and the ongoing nature of life's journey.
* Simple Language:
* Clifton's use of simple language creates a direct, powerful impact and emphasizes the universality of the themes of hope and gratitude.
The poem's beauty lies in its combination of these elements, creating a poignant reflection on the journey of life and the importance of gratitude.