 Poetry: April 19, 2006 Issue [#992] |
  Poetry
This week: Edited by: Red Writing Hood <3  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
In life, as in baseball, we must leave the dugout of complacency, step up to the home plate of opportunity, adjust the protective groin cup of caution and swing the bat of hope at the curve ball of fate, hoping that we can hit a line drive of success past the shortstop of misfortune, then sprint down the base path of chance, knowing that at any moment we may pull the hamstring muscle of inadequacy and fall face-first onto the field of failure, where the chinch bugs of broken dreams will crawl into our nose.
-- Dave Barry
|
| ASIN: B07N36MHWD |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99
|
|
Similes, Metaphors and Poetry Threads – Oh My!
Most of us learned that similes were comparisons using the words “like” or “as” by second or third grade, so that’s all we’ll say on that section of our imagery toolbox. Unless you’ve studied poetry or writing further, you may not be as familiar with the metaphor or poetry thread (aka extended metaphor).
Metaphor
In life, as in baseball, we must leave the dugout of complacency, step up to the home plate of opportunity, adjust the protective groin cup of caution and swing the bat of hope at the curve ball of fate, hoping that we can hit a line drive of success past the shortstop of misfortune, then sprint down the base path of chance, knowing that at any moment we may pull the hamstring muscle of inadequacy and fall face-first onto the field of failure, where the chinch bugs of broken dreams will crawl into our nose.
-- Dave Barry
Above is a quote overflowing with metaphor. Even though he goes overboard for comedic effect, they are all fine examples of what a metaphor is.
Perfecting your use of metaphor is essential to writing in general, but in creating poetry it is imperative. A creative metaphor in a poem makes it sing like the angels and a poor one, or none at, all could have your poem falling flat and off key.
Example:
In life, as in baseball, we must leave the dugout of complacency (Dave Barry)
OR
You can’t stay in the dugout – even though it’s nice and you’re happy there
Why use a metaphor, why not just say it like it is?
Well you could, and that might be your personal writing style, but a metaphor takes your reader on a tantalizing journey, riding your words as if they’re on the Orient Express. With it, you offer a bountiful feast for the eyes and the imagination rather than having a grilled cheese in a closet. Most readers enjoy using their minds like a tongue – wrapping it around your poem relishing the exploration in the taste of it all.
Weave a Deeper Meaning With Poetry Threads
A poetry thread, also known as an extended metaphor, takes a single metaphor and stretches it through a large section of, or the entire poem.
Imagine your poem is a quilt. Each square of fabric is a word and the stitches that hold them all together are your extended metaphor. This thread gently tugs your reader along through your piece and creates a deeper meaning and a more vivid picture within their mind
Start with a simple metaphor, let’s go with your puppy is a vehicle. Now here is an example of extending that metaphor:
My puppy is a car
that drives me quite insane.
When I’m ready for the parking garage
He’s revving for a freeway lane.
His engines roar whenever
he wants to go for a romp.
He races right on over me
before I can holler, “STOP!”
Notice how I’ve taken the metaphor and expanded on it? I’ve taken elements of driving (i.e. Parking garage, revving, engines, races, and freeway lane) and show the reader how on earth my puppy is a car.
I’ve used a silly example because they’re fun, but it works equally well in more serious poetry or even essays, fiction and more.
Whether you wrap your reader in a comforter, family heirloom quilt or itchy wool blanket, you’ve given them another dimension with which to embrace your work.
|
And one of my favorite poetry contests:
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B01IEVJVAG |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99
|
|
Gotta question, answer, problem, solution, tip, trick, cheer, jeer, or extra million lying around?
If so, send it through the feedback section at the bottom of this newsletter OR click the little envelope next to my name Red Writing Hood <3 and send it through email.
Comments on last month's newsletter:
Submitted By: kpac4life
Submitted Comment:
YOU GUYS ARE TERRIFIC!
On behalf of the entire Poetry newsletter editorial staff: Thanks! 
|
| ASIN: B000FC0SIM |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
