Which of the following works features a metaphorical exploration of the cycles of life and death?

"The Burial of the Dead," which is part of T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land," deeply explores the themes of life and death through its rich and complex imagery and allusions. The metaphor of burial serves as a powerful representation of death, decay, and the cyclical nature of existence. The work delves into the various dimensions of mortality and rebirth, reflecting how death is intertwined with the cycles of life, both in the natural world and human experiences.

The poem opens with references to various aspects of death, such as the changing seasons and the barren landscapes, portraying how life perpetually gives way to death and vice versa. The use of urban and rural imagery further emphasizes the omnipresence of death in both nature and society, making it a central theme of the entire work.

In contrast, while "Birches" by Robert Frost explores themes of nature and nostalgia, it does not primarily focus on the metaphorical cycles of life and death. "Home Burial" examines family dynamics and grief but does not employ the broad metaphorical landscape associated with life cycles. "Nothing Gold Can Stay" reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and youth but does not encompass the depth of exploration found in "The Burial of the Dead."