Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.
Lines 56-57
A green line, frayed at the end
where he broke it, two heaver lines,
- Just when you think Bishop has described the fishing lines enough, she tells us more. She even distinguishes between the older and heavier lines.
- Also notice that the fish broke one of the lines. Another tough fish moment.
- Green – more color!
Lines 58-60
and a fine black thread
still crimped form the strain and snap
when it broke and got away.
- If the fishing line is still crimped, maybe the fish had a recent getaway.
- Bishop's mention of the "strain and snap" offers more to the warrior fish image. It's like he's the Beowulf of fish.