Deaths and Engines Flashcards
A tight angle making a difficult descent. Coming down from above, suggests they are flying from the beginning. Captivating line, doesn’t sound like they are comfortable with the situation
We came down above the houses
In a stiff curve
A plane was blown to bits. Contrast of colour between the snow and plane. This plane is totally derelict and alone. Enjambment accentuates the contrast. Use of 3, totally lacking in life.
The back half of a plane, black
On the snow, nobody near it,
Tubular, burnt-out and frozen.
Another contrast of colour. White and black like life and death
The snow-white runways in the dark
Tension built up with the silence. Could be the calm after the storm, dealing with damage and death. The pilot is totally and utterly alone in this black and white universe. Appeals to hearing
No sound came over
The loudspeakers, except the sighs
Of the lonely pilot.
The idea of death being inevitable. Soon enough it will be you that needs to fly up to heaven.
The cold of metal wings is contagious:
Soon you will need wings of your own
Simile of life being like a meal, when you cross the cutlery you are finished, just like your life. Enjambment accentuates the fact that you die
Time and life like a knife and fork
Cross, and the lifetime in your palm
Breaks
A metaphor for going into heaven,as the poet was Catholic. Idea of going into the land above. Sibilance creates harsh sound of the harsh reality.
the curve of an aeroplane’s track
Meets the straight skyline.
Suddenly in a hospital, someone has cheated death. They have paid for it physically, but they are alive.
Hospital pyjamas, screens round a bed
A man with a bloody face
Reference to the man’s lips failing him. However, the help of a hospital can only help you for so long. Death with eventually win out. Quite a morbid thought that the small victory means nothing in the long run because we always lose the battle to death
These will fail you some time.
Eventually, in death, you will be alone. Possible metaphor for your life flashing before your eyes before your ultimate end. Then, you can do noting to avoid death.
You will find yourself alone
Accelerating down a blind
Alley, too late to stop
Possible reference of going towards the light. Or, it could mean that your death is not very important. Or that it could mean that it comes in a fleeting moment, a light breath.
know how light your death is
Simile. When you die it will affect everyone that knew you in different ways because you had different relationships with them. But you will be with them forever. My favourite part of the poem.
You will be scattered like wreckage,
The pieces every one a different shape
Will spin and lodge in the hearts
Of all who love you.
