How Does Koch Use Extended Metaphor In One Train May Hide Another?

In the poem, “One Train May Hide Another” by Kenneth Koch he utilizes extended metaphor, repeated symploche, and enjambment in order to convey that the first glance at the surface of a situation often does not reveal all that you need to know, ultimately illustrating the importance of not making snap judgements and decisions in life, because you never know what you will find upon deeper observation and with a little patience, much like how when crossing train tracks, you must be on your guard after one train passes for a second train that might have been hidden from view.

First, Koch uses extended metaphor in order to make his point that you must be patient and wait for life to reveal what it truly has to offer lest you get “hit by a train” that you could not see at first glance, using a simple, real-world example that makes it easier for readers to understand and relate to. Take, for example, how he uses the train metaphor to encourage his readers to make sure they have “waited at least a moment to see what was already there,” literally talking about train tracks, but really adding to his point by allowing readers to make the connection that one should also practice patience in looking for what is hidden at first glance in order

Throughout the poem he begins phrases with the word “one” and ends them “may hide another,” filling in the phrase wich different examples of possible life situations that prove his point. Take, for instance, how in lines 16 through 30 he lists nearly 10 situations where one might miss out on a better, richer circumstance if they make a snap decision. By combining this convincing structure with repetition, Koch masterfully creates an argument which sounds impenetrable, because its total parallelism and flowing rhythm give the impression that his argument perfectly lines up with any and every area of