This perspective is made apparent when the speaker addresses her boat as it symbolizes her ability to expand and take in all of her surroundings. This "rented boat" "leaking oil" from its "rusted engine" created a rainbow so beautiful that she became overwhelmed and released the fish. Here, the boat can be compared to the fish, in it’s initial imperfection, then to its final magnificence. The descriptive words allow the reader to, again, visualize the moment vividly through the eyes of the narrator. Bishop does an outstanding job in describing every moment in her growing relationship with the fish. She creates, first, an image of a helpless captive and the reader is allowed to feel sorry for the fish and even pity his situation as the speaker does. The narrator’s relationship with the fish then grows to one of personal regard as she engages in further study and is able to look past her initial observation. The parting image of the rainbow offers a perfect way to drive home the process of aging as a dignified and even celebratory act.
Not only is it a very optimistic image of color and gaiety, but the rainbow is traditionally paired with the concept of treasure once