Direct Observation

The speaker argues that certain things do not require metaphors or symbolic meaning placed upon them. Instead, they can be appreciated just as they are in their own physical manifestations. For example, the speaker states that “sometimes thunder is just thunder” (1). The opening command to “hear” the speaker ties in with her bidding to directly observe the world without trying to find a personal resonance with everything one observes. At times, assigning further meaning through metaphors or symbolism is a way for the observer to insert their own meanings (and by extensions, their own selves) onto things.

Because metaphors, symbolism, and other figurative language are so inherently connected to poetry (though not every single poem uses them), the speaker distances herself from poetic tradition by claiming that these devices are not always necessary. Figurative language is a way of describing things without being literal, and...