Question

there are 8 lines in the poem. the poem is numbered every 2 lines.
interim
the earth is motionless
and poised in space...
a great bird resting in its flight
between the alleys of the stars.
it is the winds hour off...
the wind has nestled down among the corn...
the two speak privately together,
awaiting the whirr of wings.
(\interim\ by lula ridge)
part a
what does the word interim mean in the title of this poem?

1. a dream
2. a feeling
3. a force
4. a pause

part b
which line from the poem best supports the correct answer from part a?

1. \a great bird resting in its flight\ (line 3)
2. \between the alleys of the stars.\ (line 4)
3. \the wind has nestled down among the corn...\ (line 6)
4. \the two speak privately together.\ (line 7)

Explanation:

Part A

To determine the meaning of "interim" in the poem's title, we analyze the poem's imagery. The earth is motionless, a bird is resting in flight, the wind is off/nestled down—these all suggest a temporary stop or break. "A pause" (option 4) fits this theme of a temporary halt, while "a dream," "a feeling," or "a force" don't align with the imagery of stillness and waiting (e.g., "awaiting the whirr of wings").

We need a line that supports "interim" meaning "a pause." "A great bird resting in its flight" (line 3) shows the bird pausing during flight, mirroring the poem's theme of a temporary stop. The other lines: "Between the alleys of the stars" (line 4) describes location, not pause; "The wind has nestled down..." (line 6) is about the wind's state but less direct than the bird resting; "The two speak..." (line 7) is about interaction, not pause. So line 3 ("A great bird resting in its flight") best supports "a pause."

Answer:

1. a pause

Part B