Febuary by: Margaret Atwood

The diction used in this poem sets a very distinct tone. The author is not happy. It is February, the month of despair, as well as the month in which Valentines day takes place. The author makes a few references to how Valentines day and the male gender are a waste of time. They are as shallow as cats (specifically her cat). February is cold and dreary and she wants to stay in her warm bed and avoid the world. The diction she uses such as; "Winter. Time to eat fat." "It's all about sex and territory" and "love has done us in", allow the reader to get a sense of the author's feelings and sympathize with her. Such graphic word choice such as your small pink bumhole, snip a few testicles, and we should eat our young like sharks; shocks the reader and grabs their attention. The diction really makes this poem memorable.