What you have heard is true."
-- Speaker (Line 1)

Importance: This introductory statement is crucial to the tone and the meaning of "The Colonel." With this one sentence the speaker lets the reader know that he or she is about to hear something extraordinary and even unbelievable, but that the reader should listen closely and believe what is said. It sets the straightforward and serious narrative tone and journalistic style which continues throughout the poem.

The moon swung bare on its black cord over / the house."
-- Speaker (Lines 4 – 5)

Importance: This metaphor makes a comparison between the moon and a single bulb hanging on a cord. On the one hand, this seems to suggest that the evening under discussion will be revealing or illuminating in some way. Perhaps more importantly, the image of a bare bulb hanging on a dark cord is reminiscent of scenes of interrogation or torture often associated with corrupt government regimes and in this...