deep in liquid indigo: The poet begins by describing the ocean as a deep, liquid indigo, conveying a sense of darkness and depth. The use of “liquid indigo” paints a vivid picture of the color of the water.

turquoise slivers: The poet introduces the presence of turquoise slivers, suggesting fragments or small pieces, possibly of light or reflections, within the deep blue sea.

of dilute light: The turquoise slivers are further described as being made of diluted or faint light, creating an image of soft and subtle illumination beneath the water’s surface.

quiver in thin streaks: The slivers of light are in motion, trembling or quivering in thin streaks, adding a dynamic quality to the underwater scene.

of bright tinfoil: The streaks of light are compared to bright tinfoil, emphasizing their reflective and shiny nature. This simile helps readers visualize the gleaming effect of the light.

on mobile jet: The streaks of light are likened to bright tinfoil on a mobile jet, possibly referring to the movement or flow of water. This line captures the fluidity and mobility of the underwater environment.

pale flounder: The poem introduces a pale flounder, a type of fish, contributing to the marine imagery. The use of “pale” may evoke a sense of delicacy or subtlety.

waver by: The pale flounder is in motion, wavering or moving gently in the water.

tilting silver: The motion of the pale flounder is described as tilting, and its appearance is compared to silver. This imagery suggests gracefulness and shimmering reflections.

in the shallows: The focus shifts to the shallower parts of the ocean, where the water is not as deep.

agile minnows: Small, agile fish known as minnows are introduced, emphasizing their ability to move quickly and gracefully.

flicker gilt: The minnows flicker, or move rapidly, with a golden or gilded appearance, adding to the visual richness of the underwater scene.

grapeblue mussels: The poem introduces mussels with a color description, combining the qualities of grapes and blue. This choice of color enhances the visual imagery.

dilate lithe and: The grapeblue mussels are described as having lithe and pliant valves, suggesting flexibility in their structure.

pliant valves: The term “pliant valves” refers to the flexible shells or coverings of the mussels, further emphasizing their adaptable nature.

dull lunar globes: The focus shifts to jellyfish described as dull lunar globes, possibly referring to their round shape and a comparison to the moon.

of bulbous jellyfish: The jellyfish are described as bulbous, emphasizing their rounded and swollen appearance.

glow milkgreen: The jellyfish emit a soft milkgreen glow, creating an enchanting and ethereal image of their luminescence.

eels twirl: Eels are introduced with a dynamic verb, suggesting a twisting or turning motion.

in wily spirals: The eels move in wily spirals, indicating a clever and sinuous movement along elusive paths.

on elusive tails: The eels’ movements are specifically associated with their elusive tails, adding to the sense of mystery and unpredictability.

adroit lobsters: Lobsters are described as adroit, highlighting their skill or cleverness.

amble darkly olive: The lobsters move with a casual yet purposeful gait, described as darkly olive in color.

on shrewd claws: The lobsters navigate with shrewd or clever claws, emphasizing their resourcefulness.

down where sound: The poem shifts to a deeper part of the ocean, where the sense of sound becomes prominent.

comes blunt and wan: The sound in the deeper ocean is described as blunt and wan, lacking sharpness and vibrancy. This creates a sense of quiet or muffled underwater noises.

like the bronze tone: The comparison to the bronze tone introduces an auditory element, suggesting a metallic or resonant quality to the sound.

of a sunken gong: The sound is further likened to the bronze tone of a sunken gong, evoking a deep and melancholic resonance, perhaps symbolizing a somber or reflective mood in the ocean’s depths.