A book of doors opened in front of me

And on the first page was one that was locked.

Hammered and battered, the door knob shattered,

It sat there closed off and blocked.

So I turned the page to see a door of books,

Open wide, like the legs of a lover,

Lying in wait, like a fish on a plate,

On a table too long for its cover.

I turned to page three of the book of doors,

And found no door in a room.

All the books had been cleared,

As though something they feared,

All that was left was the broom.

A book of doors closed behind me,

So all to see was behind.

My soul it did yearn,

My head it did turn,

But no book of doors could I find

Critique by Alexis Ingram 

The poem, “A Book of Doors,” effectively utilizes metaphor and vivid imagery to create a symbolic journey, exploring various facets of experience and emotions.

1. **Metaphor and Imagery:**
– The central metaphor of a “book of doors” is compelling and allows for versatile exploration throughout the poem. It serves as a rich symbol for life’s experiences, opportunities, and challenges.
– The locked door on the first page, hammered and battered, conveys a sense of obstacles and difficulties encountered in life. This vivid image immediately draws the reader into the theme of overcoming challenges.

2. **Sensory Descriptions:**
– The use of sensory details, such as the shattered door knob and the open door “like the legs of a lover,” adds depth and evokes a strong emotional response from the reader.
– The image of a door of books lying open wide and waiting, like a fish on a plate, is particularly vivid and creates a unique and intriguing mental picture.

3. **Shift in Imagery:**
– The transition to page three brings a shift in imagery with the absence of a door in a room, and the books being cleared, leaving only a broom. This shift effectively conveys a sense of loss, emptiness, or departure from knowledge.

4. **Symbolism:**
– The broom, as the only remaining element in the cleared room, symbolizes the act of cleaning or removal. This could be interpreted as a symbolic gesture of starting anew or a cleansing of the past.

5. **Closure and Yearning:**
– The closing lines encapsulate a poignant sense of closure as a book of doors closes behind the speaker. The yearning of the soul and the inability to find another book of doors add emotional depth, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of longing and curiosity.

6. **Consistent Tone:**
– The tone throughout the poem is consistent, maintaining a contemplative and reflective atmosphere. This consistency contributes to the overall coherence of the piece.

7. **Conciseness and Flow:**
– The poem is concise yet rich in imagery. Each stanza contributes to the overall narrative, and the progression from one door to another is well-paced, maintaining a smooth flow.

In summary, “A Book of Doors” effectively combines metaphor, vivid imagery, and symbolism to create a poignant exploration of life’s journey. The emotional depth and vivid descriptions make it engaging and thought-provoking for the reader.