Red

[Erthona]

A common phrase is "strike a pose" which is based on the idea of striking a match, that is, "to assume almost instantaneously". It is obviously used figuratively, and is based on a prior usage. It would make no sense if it were literal. There is also the common usage of strike as in "she struck at him with biting words over a cup of tea". The "at" indicates that it is figurative usage and not a literal one, and overlays playful connotation to the word "strike", which is not only a violent description, but is also onomatopoetic. As there is no prior common usage to build upon, Deb's usage without the "at" creates as unnecessary and easily resolvable ambiguity. An ambiguity that causes a slight pause in the reading and for no describable gain (even if on an unconscious level). Such disruptions will devalue the poem in the readers mind even if they are unaware of the disruption. Thus, even though one can fairly quickly come to a conclusion about how strike is being used, it is an unnecessary delay. As enough of these mini-delays in the reading can seriously undermine the quality of the poem, I think it is an acceptable area for critique.

Dale