In the third stanza maybe their hands patting may indicate as a sign that they are ready to go. They say “Well maybe next time.” It suggests maybe she will accept the fact that she is going thru puberty at a later time. It is so dark in gloomy in her mind and in her imagination they disappear like shiny little lights.

     The fourth stanza indicates the three seal men leave some type of impression. She tries to hold on tightly to her imagination as it leaves her in her own reality. She is growing up. She feels it is an unpleasant place. She is left alone to grow up and she feels it is a dark heavy place. In the end the night sleeps and she is speechless about what has happened to her.Biography: 

Rita Dove

     She is known for her book, “The Yellow House”, which she wrote in 1980.  Rita Dove is a brilliant poet, story writer, and script writer.  She became very successful for her articulate work. Rita Dove had a passion to read and to increase her knowledge. Her parents were very supportive when it came to her education. She was born in 1952 and  She was raised in Akron, Ohio in an African American household consisting of herself, two younger sisters, an older brother and her mother and father.      

     As Rita Dove got older she continued to exploring her interest in writing.  She attended many schools and she was recognized by many people. She always kept the dream of becoming a writer and a poet.    As years progressed Rita Dove was given the Pulitzer for, “Thomas and Beulah”, a book about her grandparents, and “a collection of poems that dealt with their lives.”  Dove’s second surprise was also the first African American to be honored as U.S. Poet Laureate in 1993 and she held the title until 1995. 

     She was also appointed Poet Laureate in 1994.  Dove went on to receive many more prestigious awards such as the National Humanities Award in 1996 as time progressed. Her poetry interest readers because the reader can identify with her and her life as a child.

Reference:

Websites:

Rita Doves Biography       http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/dov0bio-1

Rita Doves Bio                  http://www.afropoets.net/ritadove.html

Rita Doves Poet                http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/185