**How does the poet speak to the wind?**

In the poem "Wind" by Ted Hughes, the poet speaks to the wind as if it were a living being. The poet addresses the wind directly and uses vivid imagery to describe its power and presence. He personifies the wind, attributing human-like qualities to it and treating it as a force to be reckoned with.

The poet speaks to the wind in a respectful and awe-inspired manner. He acknowledges its strength and wild nature, describing it as a "black-backed gull" and a "sumo-wrestler." These comparisons emphasize the wind's determination and forcefulness. The poet also uses metaphors to convey the wind's power, such as calling it a "lioness" and a "bull." These comparisons evoke images of fierce animals, highlighting the wind's ability to cause havoc and destruction.

Furthermore, the poet uses vivid and sensory language to describe the wind's impact on the environment. He speaks of how the wind "flung a magpie away" and "shattered the pear-tree leaves." These descriptions paint a picture of the wind's forceful movements and the destruction it leaves in its wake. The poet also describes the wind as a "black cloud" that "dives with the wind off the sea." These descriptions create a sense of impending danger and chaos.

**Have you heard of wind causing destruction or crumbling of lives? Explain your viewpoint in the context of the poem.**

Yes, wind can cause destruction and crumbling of lives. In the context of the poem, the poet vividly portrays the destructive power of the wind through his descriptions. The wind is depicted as a force that can uproot trees, shatter leaves, and fling birds away. This imagery suggests that the wind is capable of causing significant damage to the natural world.

Moreover, the poet mentions how the wind "strafes" the houses and "blackens" the fires. These descriptions imply that the wind can cause destruction to human-made structures and disrupt the comfort and safety of people's homes. The wind's power is further emphasized by the mention of how it can "make a wave leap and a firefly wobble."

In real life, windstorms and hurricanes are known to cause widespread destruction and sometimes even loss of life. High-speed winds can uproot trees, damage buildings, and cause power outages. In extreme cases, entire communities can be devastated by the force of the wind.

Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear stories of wind causing destruction and crumbling of lives. Whether it is the impact of hurricanes, tornadoes, or powerful gusts, wind can have a devastating effect on both the natural environment and human lives. The poem effectively portrays this destructive power of the wind, reminding us of its potential to bring chaos and devastation.