The Circle: Stanza 3-4

“The Circle: Stanza 3-4”, like many of Don Paterson’s poems, uses free verse which allows for more experimental and creative expressions of thought.
With the indistinct length and pattern of lines, the poet’s approach mirrors the fluctuating thought process, thereby emphasizing the immensity and complexity of the themes in question.

For readers, the depth of the speaker’s contemplation is unfolded using first-person perspective, thereby capturing subtle differences in personal emotion and viewpoint.
The metaphorical language ‘flickered like a school of tiny fish’, and ‘a wheel of crying gulls’ create distinct imageries in the minds of the readers about the emotions and thoughts of the speaker, provoking further introspection.
The poet’s skilled use of simile and personification gives life to the speaker’s feelings and inner turmoil, making them more directly relatable and palpable to readers.

The use of enjambment and run-on lines throughout these stanzas reflects the continuity and relentless flow of the speaker’s thoughts and emotions.
The spaces between lines are not only aesthetically engaging but also function to direct readers’ attention to individual phrases, thereby enriching the overall reading and interpretive experience.

The key themes in these stanzas revolve around introspection, transitoriness, and human vulnerability.
The poet’s intricate use of similes and metaphorical language aims at triggering a deeper understanding and conversation about self-exploration, understanding of human emotions and the ephemeral nature of human existence.