Poem Analysis: Lines

Lines

Martha Collins

Draw a line. Write a line. There.
Stay in line, hold the line, a glance
between the lines is fine but don't
turn corners, cross, cut in, go over
or out, between two points of no
return's a line of flight, between
two points of view's a line of vision.
But a line of thought is rarely
straight, an open line's no party
line, however fine your point.
A line of fire communicates, but drop
your weapons and drop your line,
consider the shortest distance from x
to y, let x be me, let y be you.

1. Define the dramatic situation
- This poem isn't about lines, it seems to be about have to always do things perfectly in a relationship and having to abide by the rules of a "line".

2. Structure
-Repitition with the constant use of the word line. This poem is one stanza with no rhyme scheme.

3. Theme
- Just be in love and don't worry about all the little intricacies

4. Grammar and Meaning
- The entire poem is a metaphor for love, and the word line does not mean the dictionary definition of "line" in this poem, but rather would represent love.

5. Important Images
- "A line of fire communicates, but drop your weapons and drop your line,consider the shortest distance from x to y, let x be me, let y be you." I feel like this line sums up the entire poem and message.

6. Important Single Words
-LINE. This poem is based around the word line and its multiple meanings.

7. Tone
-The tone is persuasive making the reader rethink their view of not only the word line, but also relationships and expectations of those relationships.

8. Literary Devices
-The most evident literary device used in this poem is metaphor. The entire poem is a metaphor for love.

9. Flow
-The continuous use of the word "line" connects the poem together and makes it flow.