SAW THE SEA POEM BY LILIAN MOORE
This poem, Saw the Sea by Lilian Moore, captures the poet’s awe and discovery of the sea’s beauty and movement. Let’s analyze it line by line with explanations and examples.
LINE 1. “Until…….know”
The poet sets the tone for a revelation, indicating that before seeing the sea, they were unaware of its unique characteristics.
LINE 2. “That………. so”
The poet observes how the wind can create ripples on the surface of the water, making it appear wrinkled.
Example: Imagine a calm pond suddenly disturbed by a breeze, causing tiny ripples to form.
LINE 3. “I never……….blue“
The poet marvels at how sunlight can reflect off the sea, breaking the blue color into shimmering fragments.
Example: When the sun’s rays hit the ocean, it creates dazzling reflections, almost as if the sea is broken into pieces of light.
4. “Nor…….a shore”
This metaphor compares the movement of the waves to breathing. The sea “inhales” as waves pull back and “exhales” as they crash onto the shore.
Example: Standing by the ocean, you can hear the rhythmic sound of waves moving in and out, much like a person’s breath.
Overall Meaning:
The poem expresses the poet’s newfound appreciation for the sea’s beauty and movement. It highlights nature’s small yet mesmerizing details that one may not notice until they experience them firsthand.