The repetition of the words "passing time" throughout the poem emphasizes the relentless and inescapable nature of time's passage. This repetition also creates a sense of urgency and anxiety, as the speaker seems to be trying to hold onto something that is slipping away.
Alliteration
The use of alliteration in lines such as "The ticking clock, the passing time" and "The seasons come and go" adds to the poem's sense of rhythm and musicality. This alliteration also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence, as the sounds of the repeated words echo throughout the poem.
Metaphor
The poem compares the passage of time to a river flowing ("Time is a river, flowing on and on") and to a thief stealing away our days ("Time is a thief, stealing our days"). These metaphors help to create a vivid and concrete image of time's passage, and they also suggest that time is beyond our control and can never be stopped or reversed.
Personification
The poem personifies time as a character who "laughs at us" and "takes no prisoners." This personification gives time a sense of agency and power, and it also suggests that time is indifferent to our suffering and struggles.
Symbolism
The poem uses a number of symbols to represent the passage of time, such as the ticking clock, the changing seasons, and the river. These symbols help to create a rich and multi-layered understanding of time, and they also suggest that time is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon.