Question

When little lights in little ports come out, Quivering down through water with the stars, And all the fishing fleet of slender spars Range at their moorings, veer with tide about; When race of wind is stilled and sails are furled, And underneath our single riding-light The curve of black-ribbed deck gleams palely white, And slumbrous waters pool a slumbrous world; Then, and then only, have I thought how sweet Old age might sink upon a windy youth, Quiet beneath the riding-light of truth, Weathered through storms, and gracious in retreat. Which words from "Evening" most strongly suggest the theme? When little lights in little ports come out / Quivering down through water with the stars And all the fishing fleet of slender spars / Range at their moorings The curve of black-ribbed deck gleams palely white / And slumbrous waters pool Then, and then only, have I thought how sweet / Old age might sink upon a windy youth

Answer 1

Then, and then only, have I thought how sweet / Old age might sink upon a windy youth

Step-by-step explanation:

In this poem, the author reflects on the passage of time, and the impact this might have on life. The author tells us that when she looks at how the ships in the water are calm after a windy evening, she is able to value the peace and quiet that comes after a hectic day. In these occasions, she thinks of how peaceful and pleasant old age must be, as it also comes after the action and chaos of youth.

Answer 2

The answer would be Then, and then only, have I thought how sweet / Old age might sink upon a windy youth.