Introduction to Poetry

Imagery

Images

Noon and a hazy heat;

a single silver sliver and a dull drone;

the gloved finger poised, pressed:

a second's silence and

oblivion.

The main images used here are rather mysterious. There is the image of the 'single silver sliver', something sharp and menacing and the tone of this is continued by the hint of threat in the 'dull drone' which ends the line. Then there is the image of the 'gloved finger' waiting patiently to do its work. This is not a gloved hand but seems to be a part of the body separated from all the other parts, again continuing the mounting sense of menace and tension in the poem. Images in poetry are often used to create what is known as the 'tone' of the poem.