Author: Julia Ward Howe.
Themes:
- Beauty and Power of the Sea: The poem celebrates the majestic beauty and transformative power of the oceans.
- Sea Creatures as Adornment: Marine life becomes the subject of decorative motifs that enhance and beautify the underwater kingdom.
Summary:
In this enchanting lyrical work, Julia Ward Howe portrays the breathtaking and intricate world beneath the surface of the waves.
- The poem evokes imagery reminiscent of intricate embroidery: delicate sea creatures resembling woven threads create enchanting and beautiful underwater adornments and embellishments.
- Howe vividly describe sponges woven on "delicate meshes," jellyfish adorned with "purple lace", while shells take of "pearl embroidery''
- Howe masterfully employs poetic forms such as assonance to mimic the rhythmic motions of ocean waves creating a soothing and mesmerizing effect through out poetic work.