Carol Ann Duffy

Swing

Someone had looped a rope over a branch

and made a rought swing for the birch tree

next to the river. We passed it, walking and walking

1st stanza Reference to marriage – someone putting a ring on someone’s finger. This action is done out of choice.

Enjambment

Caesura

Suggestion; someone walking down the aisle into the future of love.

Repetition; walking for a long time, representing the length of their relationship.

into our new love; soft, unbearable dawns of desire

where mist was the water’s veil, or foam

boasted and frothed like champagne at the river’s bend.

1st stanza Idea continues of marriage is like entering a new love life.

Metaphor; veil is a traditional item of clothing for the bride to wear during marriage.

Simile; comparing the water to the champagne that the bride and groom use to celebrate their new beginning.

Description of the water, could be used towards the description of the champagne; a token of celebration.

You asked me if I was sure, as a line of Canada geese

crowded the other bank, happy as wedding guests. Yes,

sure as the vision that flares in my head, away from you now,

2nd stanzaSecond person direct address.

First person.

Geese; no individual personality, appear quite structured.

Imagery.

Second person direct address.

Enjambment

Caesura

of the moment you climbed on the swing, and swung out

into the silver air, the endless affirmative blue,

like something from heaven on earth, from paradise.

2nd stanza

Suggestion; could be a reference to a cultural rhyme associated with marriage.

Could give the suggestion of the honeymoon and also happy ever after.

Second person direct address.

It is an elegant, important colour, representing 25 years of marriage, also resembling that there is more to come.