Janet Shannon

English

7 June, 00:43

We are as clouds that veil the midnight moon;

How restlessly they speed, and gleam, and quiver,

Streaking the darkness radiantly!-yet soon

Night closes round, and they are lost for ever:

By contrasting "darkness" with "radiantly," Shelley:

-emphasizes that although life is fleeting, it is exciting.

-compares the spark of creativity to the enduring night sky.

-introduces the idea that people are destined to live life in darkness.

-explains that people are permanent, bright fixtures like the heavens.