Boland uses assonance (repetition of similar vowel sounds) and alliteration (repetition of similar consonant sounds) to enhance her themes. For example, in stanza 3, she uses alliteration by repeating "l" sounds in "lives," "living," "lights," "loaf," and "left." This repetition of sound reflects the repetitive nature of women's work. The repetitive sound also imparts a kind of lulling effect. Similarly, in stanza 4, the use of assonance with the repetition of "a" sounds in "cash," "washing," "wrapped," and "wash" reinforces a sense of repetitive action.