How to Use Images to Write Metaphor Poems
- 1). Brainstorm concrete images that certain themes or emotions invoke. For instance, if you are writing a poem about sadness or death, list images and associations that come to mind when you reflect on death. Importantly, list images that stimulate all the senses, including sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste (e.g. the smell of flowers or the bitter taste of rain).
- 2). Show the reader images, rather than telling the reader about images, by bringing the imagery to life. Assign abstract characteristics of images to the subjects and objects of the poem. This will much more vividly recreate the tone and sentiment of the poem. For instance, "My heart is a sinking ship." Avoid words such as "like" or "as," (e.g. "My heart is like a sinking ship), since these words distinguish simile, rather than metaphor.
- 3). Avoid reproducing cliched or overused metaphors. Create original verse by using your own images to represent experience.
- 4). Emphasize metaphors by manipulating structure and form to call the reader's attention to images. For instance, place metaphors at the end of a stanza for dramatic effect. Alternatively, use italics to emphasize images or use alliteration in lines that invoke images. These poetic techniques compel the reader to pause and reflect on metaphors.
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