These are the two phrases that appeal to the sense of sight. In this sonnet, Rita Dove uses extensive imagery in order to convey the meaning of the words that she wants the reader to understand. One of the ways in which she does this is by employing physical descriptions that engage the sense of sight. In this case, the description of something being erect among parrots, and that of wildflowers entwining the plaster corset are elements that the reader can visualize.
From what I know, it's when people get persuaded by something because other people are. Kind of like "oh the ratings on the app are high so it must be a good app"
