Question

fog
the fog comes on little cat feet. it sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.
by carl sandburg
life
life is but a toy that swings on a bright gold chain ticking for a little while to amuse a fascinated infant, until the keeper, a very old man, becomes tired of the game and lets the watch run down.
by naomi long madgett
choose the statement that best compares the meaning of these poems.

1. people are like infants amused by toys.
2. life is short, so live while you can.
3. time is only a shiny distraction.
4. things of this world are fleeting.

Explanation:

In "Fog", the fog's transient nature is shown as it comes and goes. In "Life", life is compared to a toy that ticks for a short while and then stops. Both poems convey the idea that things in the world are not permanent. Option 1 focuses on people - toy comparison, not the overall theme. Option 2 emphasizes living life rather than the fleeting nature. Option 3 about time as a distraction is not the main idea. Option 4 captures the essence of both poems about the impermanence of things.

Answer:

1. Things of this world are fleeting.