Here is the definition of what a metaphor is: metaphor a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity But what is the purpose of a metaphor in poetry? Do you think that a poem needs metaphors? Do you prefer to use metaphors in poetry? Give us some examples of some good metaphors that you have used or like to use when it comes to writing? ~Torana
lol some of those are very amusing indeed lol thanks for sharing them with us lol I especially like 9 and 20 they are pretty amusing if you ask me ~Torana
"Thus reveal the delicate armanent; my sole weapon in this war of culinary fire. What soup dare waylay me and my brandished metal?" lol, a metaphor, of sorts, for a spoon.
I try so hard sometimes to include metaphors and most of the time I fail. I like to see them when I read because I think it gives the reader something to think about and to compare the image to. In reading poetry it's not always clear what the author is trying to get across until that metaphor shows up. Banzai - I love the one of the ballerina! (no. 23) Myst - lethal weapons, those spoons! Nice one! Here's one of mine: when one more gust of wind brings forth satin showers. I'm referring to a rose.
sorry, banzai, but those examples are 'similes' not 'metaphors'... the way you can tell which is which, is the use of the word 'like' or 'as'... meaning 'similar'... which has the same root as 'simile'... if it doesn't have either of those, but only writes about something as if it is something else, not just 'like' it, then it's a 'metaphor'... as for the use of either in poetry, it's good if they occur 'naturally'... but not if just tossed in for effect... their purpose is, of course, to paint a word picture that will impact on the readers' emotions... same as it is for their use in prose...
I'm really glad you're keeping an eye on us Maia. Thanks for correcting us. I've always been confused over the two and have been too lazy to look into it properly.
glad to help... i'm a fairly full time poet, along with a writer of about anything that takes words and have been, for many years... plus, i've been advising/mentoring aspiring writers of all breeds for many years, as well, so if you have any other little confusions you'd like dealt with, feel free to ask... hugs, m maia3maia@hotmail.com
I like poems that are actually a metaphor in themselves. =) I think that made sense. xD I realise that my first sentence was so simple that all poetry nuts will scowl at me and whisper grammatically correct things behind my back! I just don't care. =P
