Review the Elements of Poetry (page 578) in your textbook. Then, discuss with the class any lyric poems you remember. Also, discuss the use of metaphor and personification. Where have you encountered metaphor before? Jot down some of the poems or literary works that included metaphors and list some common metaphors. Why might a poet or author use metaphor? Then list examples of personification. Why might a poet use personification? To prepare for the poem, read the Prereading information on page 585.
1. Follow along in the text as your teacher reads the poem aloud. Write your answers to the following questions: How are “white mares of the moon” similar to clouds at night? How is the sun like a tiger? What personification does the author use in the poem?
2. Reread the poem in a small group. Discuss the poem’s imagery and the poet’s use of metaphor. What do these descriptions make you think of? Does the poem remind you of another poem or literary work? What feeling does the poet convey in this poem? What other poems or literary works inspire the same kind of feeling in you?
If you have difficulty applying the reading strategy, try reading the poem one or two lines at a time. Identify the figurative language in the lines read, and then identify the comparison being made. How are the two things that are compared alike? Think of other metaphors you have encountered in your reading. Then, connect the images from this poem to the images you recall from previous reading.
After you finish reading, write a few paragraphs about the connections you made to other literary works. Keep in mind that the content between the connections may be different even though the techniques are the same. Share your paragraphs with another student and discuss the connections made and the basis for the connection.