Poems with Similes: How to Write a Simile and Metaphor Poem

What are Similes and Metaphors?

Similes and metaphors are two of the most powerful tools and poetic devices in the writer's toolkit when it comes to imagery and describing things. Both create images by comparing two unconnected things, to form a simile poem or metaphor poem.

‌‌__‌Similes describe something as being like something else (examples include using "like" or "as")**‌

‌*Metaphors* describe something as if it is something else as a comparison or symbol (examples include using "is")‌

Naturally, these figures of speech are used a lot in different types of poetry, where the writer has limited words to get his message, or vision, across. This makes them vital when writing poetry or creative writing.

1. Decide On the Subject of Your Poem

Brainstorm! This is probably the most difficult step if you don't already have a clear idea because the possibilities are endless.

Some common examples of subjects are:

‌* a holiday destination you love‌

‌* an animal you admire‌

‌* your partner‌

Whatever you choose, it has to be something you can picture clearly in your head as a good template for your own poem.

2. Write a List of Similes to Describe Your Subject

Remember, a ​simile​ compares the subject to something else using "like" or "as."

The comparison should describe something very specific.

‌* Examples of similes include: "Her hair is like silk."‌

‌* This suggests it is soft and lustrous in the readers mind‌.

Write down all the similes that come into your mind. Some won't be used in the entire poem, but that doesn't matter. At this stage you are just getting some ideas out using figurative language

3. Write a List of Metaphors to Describe Your Subject

Remember, ​metaphors​ don't use "like" or "as" to draw the comparison; they simply describe something as if it were something else, with literary devices such as personification, alliteration, or onomatopoeia.

‌* Examples of metaphor include: "Her eyes are deep oceans."‌

‌* This might say something about the color‌

‌* It might also say how you could get lost or drown in them‌

An extended metaphor is a version of metaphor that extends over the course of multiple lines, paragraphs, or stanzas of prose or poetry. Extended metaphors build upon simple metaphors with figurative language and more varied, descriptive comparisons.

4. Decide on the Structure of Your Poem

There is no set structure for poems using similes and metaphors.

‌* They can be long or short‌

‌* They can rhyme or not‌

‌* They can have clear stanzas or be written in free verse‌

A simple starting point is to have three or four stanzas of four lines each.

5. Arrange Your Metaphors and Similes in the Order You Want Them to Appear

The outline won't read like poetry yet because the metaphors and similes are just separate ideas and not linked together cohesively.

‌* Focus on the images and not on specific words or rhymes.‌

‌* Play around with what you have until you are happy with it.‌

6. Edit Your Metaphors and Similes to Create Cohesive, Poetic Lines

‌This may involve adding words, or removing them, to create fluency.‌

Again, have fun with the words and the descriptive language. Once you are happy with it, give your poem a title and write out your final draft.

Important authors you can draw ideas from include Langston Hughes, Robert Frost, and Emily Dickinson.