Lines 12–21: The phrase “hang fire” means “to delay or be delayed in taking action or progressing.” What does the title “Hanging Fire” suggest about the theme of the poem? What evidence supports your inference about the theme? This is referring to poem “Hanging Fire” by Audre Lorde

come on, now. don’t deny me the thing that even this little flea has had. you didn't lose anything when the flea bit you, did you? hey, our blood is already mixed in the flea’s blood. what’s stopping you now? the mixing of bloods in the flea is not some sin or loss that you have to account for. don’t you see how foolish it is to deny ourselves the pleasure that the flea has indulged in without even asking our permission?

the meaning becomes clearer in this more complex modern translation of the lines from "the flea." the speaker is presenting an argument to his mistress for why they should engage in premarital sex. in keeping with the social codes of the time, she believes it is a sin and is shameful.

however, the effect of john donne’s conceit is toned down in this version. the jarring notes of the opening lines that engage the reader's attention are also missing in this rewritten version. the erotic undertone in the original lines that tend to tease rather than bluntly state facts is lost in the translated version as well.

are there any options?