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nCompare and contrast “Love Like Salt” by Lisel Mueller and “Song of Smoke” by Kevin Young

nSimilarities

nKevin Young and Lisel Mueller use symbolism to create emotional charge in the poems. The poem Song of Smoke mirrors the spark that grows into a fire. He utilizes the five senses thus creating a feeling where these senses collides, for instance, “the wish-/whish-whisk/ of your strut is flint/ striking rock —the spark/ of a length cord/ smoke start.” The poem Song of Smoke makes the sight, sound and touch to combine as he speaks about the woman he loves (Upegui, 1). Her walking style makes the poet to set off. He loves the woman and she seems to be responsible of beginning everything in his life. The woman makes his life complete “you keep me on all day like an iron, out of habits.” (Upegui, 1)

nLisel Mueller uses symbolism in the poem Love like Salt. She uses salt to show that salt like love is times inexplicable “it lies in our hands in crystals/too intricate to decipher (Kooser, 1). However, it is plays a crucial role in our live since it is stored inside human bodies and communal lives. The poet shows that life has no meaning without love. In both poems, they uses similes for instance, “you keep me on all day like an iron” in Song of Smoke and “to love like salt.” (Kooser, 1)

nThe difference

nThe poet in Song of Smoke uses humor when he says that she “leaves him only a chimney.” The image of lone chimney is funny and it is used as a symbol. The poem is presented through the eyes of a man to show a woman beautiful characteristics. On the other hand, Love like Salt uses imagery to show how salt adds flavor in both men and women lives. Salt makes our meal sweet in the same manner love sweetens human daily lives (Kooser, 1).

nWork cited

nKOOSER, TED. ‘Love Like Salt By Lisel Mueller : American Life In Poetry’. Americanlifeinpoetry.org. N.p., 2014. Web. 24 Sept. 2014.

nUpegui, Omar. ‘Poetry: Song of Smoke’. Epiac1216.wordpress.com. N.p., 2009. Web. 24 Sept. 2014.