Name: _________________________________
Figurative Language Poem 8

The Black Land				
By Joseph Warren Beach

  I will plough the land,
Turning up the black soil.
I will ride upon this heaving surface
As a boat rides upon the water.
Even as a boat
Cleaving the water with an eager keel,
I have run a furrow1
Straight across the ridges.

  I will sow down this field,
Scattering gems.
With both hands will I scatter
Quivering emeralds out of a bottomless pouch.

  As I tread the loam2
My feet sink deep.
The black earth embraces my ankles
And clings to my bent knees.

Review Questions	

                    

  I sing as I go
Scattering emeralds.
The wind sings upon my lips,
And pearls stream off my neck and forehead.
I am bathed in a sweat of pearls.

  Eyes straight forward
Rest on a brightening ultimate slope.

1. A long narrow trench made in the ground by a plow,
2. Soil with equal amounts of sand, silt, and clay.

Directions: Respond to these questions to the best of your ability.  Answer the questions completely.  If you need more space, use the back or a separate sheet.

1.  Identify one example of simile: explain which two things are being compared.

2.  Identify two examples of metaphor: explain which two things are being compared in each metaphor.

3.  Identify two examples of personification: explain what is being personified and how.

4.  Identify one example of hyperbole: explain what is being exaggerated.

5.  What is the subject of this poem?  What is this poem about?  Explain your response.

6.  What is the tone of this poem?  How does the speaker treat the subject of the poem?  Refer to text.

7.  What is the mood of this poem?  How does this poem make you feel?  Refer to text in your response.