Rivers Road Crummey Analysis

For this assignment, the chosen poem was “Rivers/Roads” by Michael Crummey. In this poem, Crummey successfully expresses the difference between individual journey’s through subtle brevity and depth. One of the best aspects of this poem is that it moves the reader to ponder on their journey-- whether on rivers or roads. Within “Rivers/Roads”, there are no similes or metaphors; however, there is literal and figurative imagery, plus symbolism. As the topic is rivers and roads, Crummey uses literal imagery to discuss and help readers visualize the seriousness and sincerity of the roads, as he writes, “Consider the earnestness of pavement,” (Crummey, 1). The literal imagery appeals to our senses by describing the road and evoking the image of solid