Symbol Analysis
The world of the sky is like a mirror of the earth, complete with its own "lands." Even parts of the sky located at a relatively short distance from the earth (a thousand feet, perhaps) seem closer to the sun than to us. Nonetheless, we get to imagine what it's like to look down on the water from such a great height.
- Line 2: Close to the sun? We'd say that's a bit of an overstatement, or hyperbole. The eagle appears to occupy the same general space as the sun in the sky, but in reality, the sun is very, very far away. Also, "lonely lands" could be a metaphor if it is meant to refer to the sky. Finally, "lonely lands" is an example of alliteration.
- Line 3: The color "azure" may or may not refer to the sea, but it certainly refers to the sky. The bright blue sky circles the eagle like a ring in all directions.