Orange ball in the sky,
Rising up, going high.
Orange ball in the sky,
Measuring life to you and I.

Orange ball in the sky,
Shining bright in my eye.
Orange ball in the sky,
Hovering above to magnify.

Orange ball in the sky,
Inspires me to testify.
Orange ball in the sky,
Enlightens all to glorify.

Orange ball in the sky,
Rays of light fade softly by.
Orange ball in the sky,
Sinking low; the moon is nigh.

Orange ball in the sky,
Now’s gone, and so I’ll lie.
Orange ball in the sky,
As I sleep to a gentle lullaby.

By: ElRoyPoet © 2014

The Poetic Devices and Styles in “Orange Ball”

This poem employs a variety of poetic devices and stylistic choices that enhance its thematic depth and aesthetic appeal. The repeated imagery of the “orange ball in the sky” symbolizes the sun and serves as a central motif throughout the poem. By examining the use of repetition, imagery, rhyme scheme, and tone, we can appreciate how these devices contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and effect.

Repetition

One of the most prominent features of this poem is its use of repetition. The phrase “Orange ball in the sky” is repeated at the beginning of nearly every stanza, creating a strong structural framework for the piece. This repetition not only emphasizes the importance of the sun as a celestial body but also instills a rhythm that makes the poem musical and engaging. The insistence on this image helps to reinforce the emotional connection readers may feel towards the sun, highlighting its role as a witness to life’s events.

Imagery

Imagery plays a crucial role in creating vivid mental pictures for the reader. The description of the “orange ball” conjures images of a bright, warm sun, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and life. Lines such as “Shining bright in my eye” and “Rays of light fade softly by” employ sensory details that enhance the emotional resonance of the poem. The contrast between the sun’s brightness during the day and its fading light at dusk serves to capture the cyclical nature of life, reinforcing themes of transition and the passage of time. The imagery effectively portrays the sun not just as a physical entity but also as a symbol of hope and inspiration.

Rhyme Scheme

The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, which contributes to its lyrical quality. This consistent pattern creates a melody that enhances the reading experience. Rhyme can also evoke a sense of harmony and balance, mirroring the natural rhythms of the day as the sun rises and sets. The use of end rhymes provides a sense of closure to each couplet while also making the themes more memorable. This musical quality is often characteristic of traditional poetry, aligning the work with a classic poetic form.

Tone

The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative, inviting the reader to share in the speaker’s appreciation for the beauty of the sun and the cycles of life it represents. Phrases such as “Inspires me to testify” and “Enlightens all to glorify” convey a sense of reverence and connection to a larger universe. The later stanzas introduce a more subdued tone as the sun sets: “Sinking low; the moon is nigh” and “Rays of light fade softly by.” This shift in tone signifies the transition from day to night and suggests a deeper contemplation of life’s impermanence.

Symbolism

The “orange ball” serves as a powerful symbol of not only the physical sun but also the concepts of life, hope, and renewal. The sun’s rise and fall mirror the stages of life, from the vibrance of youth to the melancholy of twilight. The poem concludes with a sense of quiet acceptance in the line “As I sleep to a gentle lullaby,” suggesting that even in the absence of the sun, there remains a lingering beauty and tranquility in its memory.

In summary, the poem effectively utilizes a variety of poetic devices such as repetition, imagery, rhyme scheme, tone, and symbolism to convey its themes. The poem serves as a multifaceted symbol representing life, hope, and the inevitable passage of time. Through its lyrical quality and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty of nature and the deep emotional connections we forge with the world around us. Ultimately, it captures the essence of human experience through the lens of a seemingly simple yet profound image.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

In Praise of the Divine Orb: Society and Sun Worship

The poem: “Orange Ball”, is a poignant and introspective ode to the sun. On the surface, the poem appears to be a simple and straightforward expression of admiration for the sun’s beauty and importance. However, upon closer examination, it reveals itself to be a rich tapestry of spiritual insights that warrants further analysis.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery and symbolism. The “orange ball in the sky” serves as a potent symbol of life, energy, and vitality. It is a reminder of the cyclical nature of existence, where the sun’s rise and set serve as a metaphor for the ebbs and flows of human experience. This is echoed in the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, who wrote, “You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.” (Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1883)

The sun’s rays, which “shine bright in my eye,” can be seen as a representation of the illuminating power of knowledge and understanding. The line “Measuring life to you and I” suggests that the sun’s presence serves as a benchmark for our own existence, highlighting the finite nature of our time on this earth. This theme is reminiscent of the ancient Greek concept of “Chronos,” where time is seen as a precious and limited resource.

The poem also touches on the idea of transcendence and the sublime, where the sun’s presence inspires the speaker to “testify” and “glorify.” This is echoed in the words of Immanuel Kant, who wrote, “The sublime is that, the mere ability to think which strikes the mind with a feeling of trembling and astonishment.” (Critique of Judgment, 1790)

The final stanza, where the sun sets and the speaker lies down to sleep, serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The line “As I sleep to a gentle lullaby” suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the speaker has come to terms with their own mortality. This is echoed in the words of Buddhism, where the impermanence of all things is seen as a fundamental aspect of existence.

The speaker’s worship of the sun serves as a symbol of their own search for purpose and significance in life. This is echoed in the words of Emile Durkheim, who wrote, “Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that expresses the collective conscience of a society.” (The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, 1912)

In conclusion, the poem is more than just an expression of humanity’s dependence on the sun. It is a rich and nuanced exploration of universal themes that speak to our fundamental human experience. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, the poem reveals itself to be a powerful examination of the human condition, in which we search for meaning and connection in a world marked by impermanence and uncertainty.

What to do if your inner voice is cruel

“In every encounter, we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” By: Brennan Manning

“But the truth is that’s not the kind of thing that makes a person happy. They sit in this beautiful penthouse and then they want a friend to share it with, they want people to hang out with. I think the one thing people miss is, from both a happiness point of view and also a purpose, meaning, point of view, the power of the right social connections.” Excerpt from A good life is painful

“All human activity is prompted by desire. There is a wholly fallacious theory advanced by some earnest moralists to the effect that it is possible to resist desire in the interests of duty and moral principle. I say this is fallacious, not because no man ever acts from a sense of duty, but because duty has no hold on him unless he desires to be dutiful. If you wish to know what men will do, you must know not only, or principally, their material circumstances, but rather the whole system of their desires with their relative strengths.” Excerpt from The Four Desires Driving All Human Behavior

“Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20