Read the following poem, "Sunrise," by Lizette Woodworth Reese. As you read, you may notice that words are missing. Can you figure out what the author is saying without all of the words?
The east is _____ as a daffodil.
Three steeples—three stark swarthy arms—are thrust
Up from the town. The gnarlèd poplars thrill
Down the long street in some keen salty gust—
Straight from the sea and all the sailing ships—
Turn _____, _____, _____ again, with noises sweet
And swift. Back to the night the last star slips.
High up the air is _____, a sheet
Of light. The east grows ¬_____ apace,
And trembles: then, once more, and suddenly,
The salt wind blows, and in that moment’s space
Flame roofs, and poplar-tops, and steeples three;
From out the mist that wraps the river-ways,
The little boats, like torches, start ablaze.
The version of "Sunrise" you read had several predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives removed. Now, take a look at the complete version of "Sunrise" by Lizette Woodworth Reese. In your journal, compose a four to five sentence paragraph that explains how the poem differed from your first interpretation to the second one. Based on your observations, why do you think predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives are important?