Title is ironic, first stanza instantly grounds us in the tragic stillness of the country. Sense of defeat, failed industrialisation.
Contrasting semantics of industrial and natural worlds - two aspects core to Welsh culture. The failings of the industrial vs the power of nature.
"a deserted mothership"
A sterile infertile environment. Sense of futility further explored through theme of emasculation in the poem.
"birds nesting in breathless vents"
Giving life to failed livelihood - nature has reclaimed the country. "breathless" creates a sense of suffocation, reflecting the mood of the men.
"brushed-metal sky"
Pathetic fallacy, grey somber tone of the poem. Directly links industrialisation and nature - nature always provides for Wales.
"men pressing and dipping in the lifting bays, locking out elbows"
Mechanical language, the work has shifted to the gym, reduced to echoing their former actions - now the work is being done on themselves. "Pumping iron" - shows the downfall of industrial wales - lack of identity, bleak existence.
"still the rain"
Emphasises the continuity of nature despite industrial changes and failings.
