The simile draws a parallel between two imagery concepts, allowing the term "what" to link various elements, providing a fresh perspective on the poem. The implication is that time's passing is unavoidable, bringing along the sensation of forgetting. Oblivion accompanies us much like the daily presence of heaven, surfacing in every context.
Answer and Explanation:
In Neil Gaiman's "Chivalry", Mrs. Whitaker is portrayed as someone leading a rather uneventful life. As a retired widow living alone, she displays kindness towards her acquaintances.
Despite her mundane routine suggesting dullness, Mrs. Whitaker is, in fact, quite intriguing and smart, having experienced much in her past, but currently opting for a peaceful existence, which might appear monotonous to the audience.
"This last was designated for the disposal of waste paper. Similar openings were found in countless places throughout the building, not just in every room but at brief intervals in every hallway. For some reason, these were called memory holes. When someone knew a document was set for destruction, or encountered a scrap of waste paper, it became an automatic response to open the nearest memory hole flap and drop it in, after which it would be whisked away by a warm air current to the huge furnaces concealed somewhere in the depths of the building. (1.4.2)"
