Chapter 23 "Her Lips Are Copper Wire" Summary

"Her Lips Are Copper Wire" is a five-stanza poem describing the attraction the narrator feels for a woman. The poem follows a metaphor of the woman's kiss as electric energy. Imagery used includes the glow of lampposts, the city's power grid, and flashing, lighted billboards.

Chapter 23 "Her Lips Are Copper Wire" Analysis

"Her Lips" is an example of Toomer's distinctive and versatile perspective on the world around him. While he uses natural imagery liberally throughout Cane, this poem relies on man-made technology to make its point. The woman in the poem clearly has power and influence over the narrator. To continue the metaphor, her touch and her kiss are electric. His attraction for her is something hot and glowing against the dreary backdrop of the foggy city at night. Her lips...