Elizabeth Bishop - Filling Station [QUOTES]

"this little filling station, oil-soaked, oil-permeated to a disturbing, over-all black translucency"

Bishop opens the poem by judging the station for its filth.

"several quick and saucy and greasy sons assist him"

Sibilance that suggest the slippery and greasy nature of the sons.

"on the wicker sofa a dirty dog, quite comfy"

Bishop examines more details, such as the furniture given to the pet dog to rest on.

"some comic books provide the only note of colour"

Bishop contrasts the vivid comics to the dullness of the black oil-coloured filling station.

"Why the extraneous plant? Why the taboret? Why, oh why, the doily?”

Bishop begins to notice and question why such a grim place has such little details.

"somebody embroidered the doily. Somebody waters the plant, or oils it, maybe.”

Bishop realises somebody puts thought into the little details.

"ESSO-SO-SO-SO"

Sibilance suggesting a soothing site for the passing motorists to look at.

"Somebody loves us all"

Bishop realises love exists even in the most unexpected places.