tattered and torn, rags really
-- Speaker (Line 4)

Importance: This line uses alliteration to create a lyrical sense of rhythm. The word “tattered” also uses consonance in the repeated Ts and hard D at the end. The caesura separates two very different metric patterns, creating a feeling of the character’s erratic and unstable existence.

and locked church doors even denied him refuge at night.
-- Speaker (Line 11)

Importance: This line represents a changing world, as well as the tension between old religions and the new. Traditionally, churches were meant to be sanctuaries to those in need; however, in the modern era this is less likely to be true due to inherent cultural mistrust. Here, the christian religion is exerting dominance over an old Greek god and shutting him out.

he introduced himself / as Dionysus before asking for some change.
-- Speaker (Lines 21-22)

Importance: The implication in this moment is that an unhoused man is asking the speaker for financial aid. However...