The Fish

What does this poem say about our relationship with the Natural World?

What does the poem tell us about our relationship with the ocean life and/or natural world?

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The poem can be seen as an ode to the beauty of nature. The fish thus is the object used to observe and praise the workings of nature. The fish is weighty and its appearance talks of age and wisdom. A great deal of the poem is used to observe and praise with metaphorical language the outside of the fish, its skin. Its brown skin looks like an ancient wallpaper with shapes like roses. Further on, the poet describes the fish's gills, its mouth, its bones, its eyes. One could say that the poet uses a rather simplistic language in describing the horrifying and yet wonderful creation of nature, but nevertheless, it is effective.