Question

so dawn goes down to day.
nothing gold can stay.

1. what is dawn symbolic of and how does it go down today?
2. what message about life do you think the poem wants to communicate? (theme)

Explanation:

For question 7: Dawn symbolizes the fleeting, pure, and beautiful early stages of life or new beginnings. "Goes down to day" means this delicate, golden phase fades as the routine of full day (or the progression of life into more ordinary, less idealized times) takes over, losing its initial, unspoiled quality.
For question 8: The poem's core message is that all precious, beautiful, and pure things in life are temporary. Innocence, youth, and moments of perfect beauty are fleeting and cannot be retained, so they should be cherished while they last.

Answer:

1. Dawn symbolizes fleeting, pure new beginnings; it fades as the ordinary, full day (or life's later, less idealized stages) begins, losing its initial golden, unspoiled quality.
2. The poem communicates that all precious, beautiful, and pure aspects of life are temporary—fleeting moments of innocence, youth, and perfection cannot last, so they should be valued while they exist.