Form

• Form

  The form of the poem is notable for its free verse, which plays a key role in its meaning. The poem doesn’t rhyme, and although the first two stanzas each have eight lines, the syllable count per line varies. The final stanza disrupts the pattern with nine lines, which could be seen as emphasizing the importance of the last line. By extending the stanza, the poet ensures the final word is "sunlight," rather than "death," suggesting a positive, hopeful conclusion.
• Form - Poets view point

  This form mirrors the poet’s point of view, where embracing immigrants and their cultures is seen as enriching society, much like sunlight does. The irregular structure highlights the theme of cultural diversity and inclusion, aligning with the poet’s suggestion that immigrants contribute positively, as symbolized by the city "hiding behind me" in the poem. The disruption in form also allows the poem to conclude on a note of optimism, reinforcing the value of different cultures.