Inferiority

Part of speech: Noun

Definition: being lower in position, degree, rank, or merit

Source: Merriam-Webster

This word was found in the pose poem “Power” by Andrei Codrescu, in the first line.

“Power is an inferiority complex wound up like a clock by an inability to relax”.

By knowing the meaning of this word it made the message even more clear to me. The word is being used as a noun to describe what power is to him. How it is all in the mind and  if given less thought doesnt even matter.

Atomic

Part of speech: Adjective

Definition: relating to atoms: nuclear

Source: Merriam-Webster

The word is found in the Andrei Codrescu poem Power, in the fourth and final line.

“It hums quietly in her heart like an atomic plant and the place to plug in is her eyes”.

He is using the word to describe her eyes as something nuclear and explosive which can be interpreted as when he looks at her she is his safe haven, he feels secure.

Crumbles

Part of speech: Verb

Definition: to break into small pieces.

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The word is found in the Amy Lowell poem Alien, in the fifth and final line.

“My spirit crumbles at their teasing touch.”

She is using the word a s a verb to an action but is using figurative language to exaggerate her feelings because her spirit cant be broken into little pieces.