Question 1 (5 points)

Read lines 5–6.

“colliding like doomed galaxies / in midair.”

What is the meaning of these lines as they are used in the poem?
Question 1 options:

The speaker realizes that juggling requires imagination.

The speaker finally understands the need to add more clubs.

The speaker emphasizes how difficult it is to juggle in a small space.

The speaker feels unable to stop the clubs from crashing into one another.
Question 2 (5 points)

What is the meaning of the phrase “resigned myself” as it is used in line 24?
Question 2 options:

tried harder

accepted less

quit completely

became annoyed
Question 3 (5 points)

This is a two-part item.

Part A

What is the theme of the poem?
Question 3 options:

It is important to challenge oneself.

It is wise to know when to stop trying.

People should be in control at all times.

Using caution makes difficult activities easier.
Question 4 (10 points)

Part B

Select two details from the poem that best support the answer to Part A.
Question 4 options:

“At first, the clubs were frightening,” (line 1)

“swinging away from my hands in strange patterns—” (line 2)

“I tried to tame them, then,” (line 8)

“But it was such a handful! / Always there was one too many,” (lines 14 –15)

“And then there came a day / when I let go full force,” (lines 30 –31)

“Perfect order, perfect chaos, / for as long as I could trust the risk / of each new throw.” (lines 38 –40)