Example of Poetic Device in "What Do We Plant?"

The poem "What Do We Plant?" by Henry Abbey is a thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of sowing and reaping in life. It utilizes various poetic devices to convey its message effectively. One of the poetic devices used in this poem is personification.

Personification:
Personification is a figure of speech in which human qualities or characteristics are given to non-human entities or objects. In "What Do We Plant?", the poet personifies both the seeds and the actions of planting and reaping, which adds a deeper layer of meaning to the poem.

1. Personification of Seeds:
- In the first stanza, the poet personifies the seeds by describing them as "bundles of life" and "miracles small." This personification attributes human qualities of vitality and wonder to the seeds, emphasizing their potential to grow into something remarkable.
- By personifying the seeds, the poet highlights the importance of planting not only physical seeds but also metaphorical seeds of kindness, love, and goodness in our actions and interactions with others.

2. Personification of Planting and Reaping:
- Throughout the poem, the actions of planting and reaping are personified as metaphors for the choices and actions we make in life.
- The poet asks, "What do we plant when we plant the tree?" and answers, "We plant the houses for you and me." Here, the act of planting a tree symbolizes the long-term investments we make for the future, such as building homes and creating a stable environment for ourselves and future generations.
- Similarly, the poet personifies reaping by stating, "What do we reap when we sow the grain?/Fate, with a harvest hard to explain." This personification suggests that the consequences of our actions, both positive and negative, may not always be immediately apparent. It underscores the idea that we reap what we sow, and our actions have repercussions that may manifest in unexpected ways.

Overall, the use of personification in "What Do We Plant?" enriches the poem by giving life and depth to the seeds and actions described. It encourages readers to reflect on the significance of their choices and the impact they can have on their own lives and the lives of others.