Is there any alliteration in adolescence III by Rita Dove?

While "Adolescence III" by Rita Dove doesn't have a lot of obvious, traditional alliteration, there are instances of near alliteration and assonance that contribute to the poem's musicality and evocative language:

Near Alliteration:

* "Stands still**" (line 1)

* "The thin thread" (line 2)

* "Beats" (line 5)

Assonance:

* "Thin thread" and "head**" (lines 2-3) - repetition of short "e" sound

* "Beats" and "heart**" (line 5) - repetition of short "e" sound

* "last" and "fall" (line 10) - repetition of short "a" sound

It's important to note that alliteration and other literary devices often serve a specific purpose in a poem. In "Adolescence III," Dove uses these techniques to create a sense of:

* Uncertainty and fragility: The near alliteration in "stands still" and "the thin thread" emphasizes the vulnerability of the speaker.

* Rhythm and flow: The repetition of sounds creates a lullaby-like effect, mirroring the speaker's yearning for connection.

* Sensory imagery: The assonance in "beats" and "heart" evokes the physical sensations of love and longing.

Therefore, while not explicitly employing alliteration, Dove uses similar sound devices subtly to create a rich and multifaceted reading experience.