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Each device is given in the required 3-sentence format: definition, everyday example, and use in this poem.
Refrain means a line or phrase that comes back again in a poem.
Everyday example: a song chorus repeats the same line after each verse.
In this poem, the line “I cannot remember my mother” starts every stanza and keeps reminding us of the poet’s early loss.
Personification means giving human qualities or actions to a non-human thing.
Everyday example: we say “the wind whispered” as if wind can speak.
In this poem, the tune seems to hover over the playthings as if it can move and stay near like a living presence.
Metaphor means showing one thing as another thing without using “like” or “as”.
Everyday example: we say “time is money” to show that time is valuable.
In this poem, the still blue sky becomes the mother’s gaze and shows her wide, calm, loving presence.
Symbolism means using a real object to stand for a bigger idea.
Everyday example: a rose can stand for love.
In this poem, the tune, shiuli flowers and blue sky stand for the mother’s love and presence.
Alliteration means repeating the same beginning sound in nearby words.
Everyday example: “Sally sells sea-shells” repeats the “s” sound.
In this poem, “scent of the morning service” and “stillness ... spread ... sky” repeat the soft “s” sound.
Onomatopoeia means a word that imitates a sound.
Everyday example: “buzz” copies the sound of a bee.
In this poem, hum suggests the soft sound of the mother singing to the child.
