Distinguish Literal, Figurative Meaning: Poetry Practice Test

Read the following original poem:

My father sharpens knives at dusk,

steel whispering against stone.

He tests the edge on paper,

then folds the page—clean, quiet.

In the window, our streetlight flickers,

and the dark learns a thinner shape.

What is the best interpretation of the dark learns a thinner shape in terms of literal and figurative meaning?

Read the following original poem:

My brother returns from the hospital

with a plastic bracelet still on his wrist.

He jokes about cafeteria coffee.

We watch a sitcom too loud.

When he falls asleep mid-laugh,

the room holds its breath in cotton.

What is the best interpretation of the room holds its breath in cotton?