The poem describes manhole covers as symbols of enduring strength and beauty. It contrasts their rugged, weathered appearance with qualities like their ability to withstand the passage of time. The manhole covers are likened to medals of conquest and the intricate carved stones of Mayan calendars. Despite their utilitarian purpose, the poem suggests manhole covers may outlive the surrounding structures and roads, and will continue to symbolize the "cryptic American" spirit even in ruins.

1. Moulding Poetry June, Ros Azlin & Chang Yuan

2. Manhole Covers By Karl Shapiro The beauty of manhole covers – what of that? Like medals struck by a great savage khan, Like Mayan calendar stones, unliftable, indecipherable, Not like the old electrum, chased and scored, Mottoes and sculptured to a turn, But notched and whelked and pocked and smashed With the great company names (Gentle Bethlehem, smiling United States). This rustproof artifact of my street, Long after roads are melted away will lie Sidewise in the grave of the iron - old world Bitten at the edges, Strong with its cryptic American, Its dated beauty.

3. Title : Manhole Covers  A general manhole cover, something perceived as rather ugly. First Line: “the beauty of manhole covers”  Contradictory image The poem as a whole: Manhole covers  Symbols of strength and everlasting beauty. It is what we would not had normally deduced from looking at a manhole cover. Hence our lexicon, appearances may be deceiving

5. They are "Like medals struck by a great savage khan." It gives an illustration of a powerful being hitting against medals triumphantly. Medals are usually won in a contest. The strongest wins.

6. It has the ability to withstand the passage of time, retaining its original shape as compared to the deformed buildings behind it. Deformed building Intact manhole

7. Point 2 – Colours Muted colours as compared to manhole cover. Supports the idea of “iron-old world”, where the surroundings are perceived as dull Orange manhole so as to grab the attention

8. Point 3- Diction & Similie The beauty of manhole covers – what of that? Like medals struck by a great savage khan, Like Mayan calendar stones, unliftable, indecipherable, Not like the old electrum, chased and scored, Mottoes and sculptured to a turn, But notched andwhelked andpocked andsmashed With the great company names (Gentle Bethlehem, smiling United States). This rustproof artifact of my street, Long after roads are melted away will lie Sidewise in the grave of the iron - old world Bitten at the edges, Strong with its cryptic American, Its dated beauty. A sense that it is never ending Effect of the sound of cracks

10. They were tools used by the ancient prophets. They have intricate designs.