The First Spring Day

Which line from the poem reveals that the poet uses the season of spring as a metaphor for her own desired re-awakening?

• “I wonder if the sap is stirring yet” (line 1)

• “I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring” (line 6)

• “Or if the world alone will bud and sing” (line 10)

• “So Spring must dawn again with warmth and bloom” (line 15)

Which element from the poem shows that the poet longs for spring?

• The repetition of the call to "Sing..."

• The rhyming pattern of each stanza

• The repeated image of sap flowing

• The reference to birds and flowers

In line 4, the poet uses the phrase “crocus fires are kindling one by one” to —

• show that springtime can be dangerous

• suggest that the sun needs to warm up

• illustrate that fire could melt the snow

• describe the color of a blooming flower

Read line 6 from the poem. Which word best defines sore in this context?

• Pained

• Deeply

• Angry

• Sure

In lines 13 through 18, the poet expresses her realization that —

• she will find hope again

• the season of spring will come

• every bird will find its partner

• the flowers will bloom eventually

Part A: How does the use of first- person point of view convey the poem's message?

• It compares the speaker's inner feelings to the changing of seasons

• It communicates objective facts about the beginning of spring

• It contrasts the speakers fears with descriptions of spring weather

• It shares observations that indicate the changing of seasons

Which quotation from the poem supports the answer to Part A?

• “I wonder if the sap is stirring yet” (line 1)

• “Sing, robin, sing!” (line 5)

• “The tardiest bird will twitter to a mate;” (line 14)

• “So Spring must dawn again with warmth and bloom,” (line 15)

Read the dictionary entry. Which definition of tide best matches the way the word is used in line 7?

• the rising and falling of the ocean and other bodies of water

• a large increase in quantity or volume

• a flowing stream

• a fit or opportune time; season

Read lines 13 - 17 of the poem. How does the author's use of alliteration in these lines contribute to the tone of the poem ?

• It imitates the sounds of twigs breaking, creating a harsh tone.

• It replicates the sounds of nature in spring, creating an optimistic tone.

• It suggests the sounds of rain falling to the ground, creating a melancholy tone.

• It reproduces the sounds of ice melting, creating a joyful tone.