The pole pierces the water film, the muscle balls in the boatman's arm, the veins swell .

NPR: Ronan Bennett: From Prisoner to Writer

The cry of an infant upstairs pierces the rolling crash of waves outside.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The last scrutineer pierces each ballot with a threaded needle through the word "Eligo (elect)" and places it on the thread.

NPR: The Papal Transition: An Overview

Magda emits a long high-pitched wail, which rattles the windows and pierces deep into the souls of us neighbors, watching from our upstairs windows.

NEWYORKER: Magda Mandela

While Weirton does have its aforementioned water tower, any visit there pierces you with the awareness of economic struggle and dwindling population: "Almost as many churches as people, " as Mr. Venderlic sings it.

WSJ: Hey, Who Are You Calling a Snob?

They will focus on the places above the poles where the wind pierces the earth's magnetic defences and causes, among other things, the shimmering lights of the aurora borealis and aurora australis, and interference with radio communications.

ECONOMIST: Birds of a feather

He pierces many tongues.

NPR: Does Age Quash Our Spirit of Adventure?