Themes for Winter Swans

Interpretation of the lines: ‘the waterlogged earth/ gulping for breath at our feet’

InterpretationReason for interpretation The earth is heavy after days of rain. The rain has caused the ground to become ‘waterlogged’ and difficult to walk through. The ground represents the state of the relationship, which has also come through a storm. The way the earth is ‘waterlogged’ represents the way their communication has become difficult. It is ‘gulping for breath’, which suggests crying or an effort to speak.

Interpretation of the line: ‘like boats righting in rough…