In the poem he writes that he does not aspire to be the highest in nature, but rather is content with any role, as long as he is allowed to remain in nature. The depth of Thoreau's alliance with nature is emphasized in the poem using metaphors; he compares himself to a zephyr, creating the feeling of being less of an outsider observing nature and more of a part of nature. After joining nature, Thoreau states that he would rather be in nature and learn from it than be a king elsewhere, and he would rather be with nature even for a moment than be alone in a city for a year. This statement provides a change, and Thoreau's relationship with nature deepens through that change, as he states that he not only aspires to be part of nature, but it is the only thing he aspires to.