Tuesday, February 3 - Poetry - Metaphor, Simile, Hyperbole and Allusion

Today we're going to talk about some poetry terms. Poets tend not to say what they mean right out. They draw images with words to create a picture for us. Here are some of the literary devices poets use to create that picture.

Metaphor – A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

Simile – A simile is a figure of speech and type of metaphor that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.” 

Hyperbole – A figure of speech composed of a striking exaggeration.

Allusion – is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance.

POEM OF THE DAY: “Two Homelands” by Jose Marti

I have two homelands: Cuba and the night.
Or are they one and the same? No sooner
does his majesty, the sun, retire, than Cuba, with long veils,
and a carnation in hand, silent,
like a sad widow, appears before me.
I know that bleeding carnation
Trembling in her hand! It’s empty,
my chest is destroyed and empty,
where the heart once was. It’s time
to begin dying. The night is right
to say good-bye. The light is bothersome
and the word is human. The universe
speaks better than man.
Like a flag
inviting us to battle, the candle’s
red flame flickers. I open the windows
overwhelmed inside. Mute, plucking
the carnation’s leaves, like a cloud