Question

fog
the fog comes
on little cat feet.
it sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
by carl sandburg

life
life is but a toy that swings on a bright gold chain
ticking for a little while
to amuse a fascinated infant,
until the keeper, a very old man,
becomes tired of the game
and lets the watch run down.
by naomi long madgett

choose the statement that best compares the meaning of these poems.

1. people are like infants amused by toys.
2. life is short, so live while you can.
3. time is only a shiny distraction.
4. things of this world are fleeting.

Explanation:

• Analyze "Fog": The fog comes and then moves on, showing transience.
• Analyze "Life": Life is a toy that ticks for a while, then the watch runs down, also showing transience.
• Option 1: Only relates to "Life"’s infant/toy, not "Fog"—incorrect.
• Option 2: "Live while you can" isn’t conveyed; poems focus on transience, not urging action—incorrect.
• Option 3: "Shiny distraction" misinterprets; "Life"’s toy is about time passing, not distraction—incorrect.
• Option 4: Both poems show things (fog, life) are fleeting (temporary, passing)—matches both.

Answer:

1. Things of this world are fleeting.