How does the gradual shortening of lines most clearly contribute to the meaning of the poem? O A. The gradual shortening of lines slows the poem's pace, hinting at the slow burning out of the flame. B. The gradual shortening of lines imitates the actions of the candle's diminishing flame. O C. The gradual shortening of lines creates a visual image of the poem's topic, a candle flame. O D. The gradual shortening of lines increases the poem's pace, emphasizing the theme of the shortness of life.

Which sentence from the text best develops the theme about the importance of compassion for other people? "besides, he was the only person in the whole place with skin nearly as dark as hers." "at first she wanted to intern at her dad's gas station, but her teacher told her she needed to branch out and signed michelle up at the oakcourt nursing home, only 15 minutes away from her house." "still, michelle had been curious, and she felt sorry that erkan had a bad reputation among the staff." "she too had felt like everyone mistrusted her--especially at the nursing home where she was so much younger than the rest of the staff--so she understood how he must feel."