"Farewell" by Edward Field

In Edward Field's "Farewell," stanza breaks and extended metaphor are used with an anxious and cold tone to illustrate the issues of trust and what mistrust can cause. Field uses the metaphor of an individual cluelessly venturing into an icy ocean, knowing that he will not survive but trusting nonetheless. There is a paragraph break after "stepping out on it," as Field realizes that his trust was misplaced, but now he has no option to go back. He is forced to "carry on cooly," continuing in a calm manner because he has gone in too deep. The metaphor continues with the use of a "captain's helmet," representing the incredible leadership he requires to continue on to his metaphorical death without breaking a sweat. He waves goodbye to his loved ones, showing just how much inconvenience this mistrust has caused. The "ice meets again over [his] head with a click," as Field's fate is determined and he has now suffered. The metaphor and the break help Field show how the mistrust occurs and how it can be used for negative aspects that serve only to hurt.