Spender, Stephen. "Seascape".

Summary

- the speaker describes the smooth surface of the ocean = essentially unmoving, permanent

- the ocean mirrors the objects on the shore, absorbs the sounds from the shore, and swallows the butterflies in a "ritual sacrifice"

- the ocean consumes even ships, cities, etc.

Analysis

- irregularly rhymed

- the awing superiority of the ocean capable of "ritual sacrifice"

- the fearful powerfulness of the ocean capable of swallowing man-made creations

- fascination by the almost god-like quality of the ocean 

- awareness of the smallness of human beings and their inconsequential actions