Sea Rose Theme of Man and the Natural World

As it turns out, this theme is particularly relevant for "Sea Rose" – see, the poem is all about nature. After all, it's an Imagistic poem about a rose. So we get to hear all about the rose – how it looks, where it lives, and how it survives in the midst of a not-so-welcoming climate. But here's the kicker: the rose could also be a metaphor for a person (like, say, the poet) who lives outside of the world's norms.

1. Why do you think it's important to note that the rose is "caught in the drift"?
2. If the rose were a metaphor for a person, how would you describe him or her?
3. Do you think the rose is unique because it's living in unnatural conditions, or does it just happen to grab the speaker's attention because of its smell?
4. Is this poem about man/woman or about the natural world? Could it be about both? Why or why not?

Although this poem is overtly describing a rose, it also speaks to the troubles of a woman caught in restrictive social codes.

Though readers may be tempted to read this poem as an extended metaphor for all sorts of troubles, such readings obscure the actual subject here: a rose.