Amends
Adrienne Rich

Describe the tone created in the first three lines
In the first three lines, it is quite apparent that this poem is focused on the moon at night, “Nights like this... a white star”. The tone is somewhat mysterious, as it does not describe the moon itself at this point.

Chart the actions of the moonlight
1st stanza: Moonlight picking at stones
2nd stanza: Picks at greater stones, laying its cheek on the sand, licking broken ledges, moves up the cliffs, flicks along train tracks,
3rd stanza: Pours into the sand-and-gravel quarry, and leans on the body of an aeroplane
4th stanza: soaks through the cracks of trailers, shines upon sleeping people

What is the effect of the repetition of ‘as if’?
The effect of the repeated ‘as it’ is to personify the moonlight, it may also create rhythm.

What is the significance of the title?
The title ‘Amends’ suggests a sense of soothing, and to repair a tough day. With the poem, ‘Amends’ tell us that the moonlight is capable of soothing, a making things better.

How is personification been used to convey a technique between the moonlight, the universe, the landscape, objects, and human beings?
Moonlight is shown to light on the most little and amazing things on the planet - this accentuated and illustrates an image and how it is always caring and protecting the earth. It is also shown to take care of one: when it says "as it dwells upon the eyelids of the sleepers" it suggests that it finally eases the day at the daybreak and takes care and soothes you after the long and tiring day that the sun tends to