A Fundamental Cornerstone of Poetry

Metaphor, or more loosely, comparison, is considered by many experienced poets to be the single most crucial element of poetry.

This does not mean that every poem has to have it, but as a general rule, poetry relies on comparison.

A direct and stated comparison, that thing A is thing B, is called a metaphor.

A more relaxed comparison, that thing A is LIKE thing B is called a simile.

These are the two most basic forms of comparison.

But there are many variations of comparisons the poet can use. An implied metaphor is not directly stated, but it is implied that thing A is thing B.

An extended metaphor or comparison may run through a whole poem. If the extended metaphor draws numerous comparisons between the two objects, it may become an analogy.

A good metaphor compares two dissimilar objects or ideas.

Love is an unframed picture.

See how dissimilar they are? The poet will then show the comparison between the two items and by comparing them, we will be enlightened in some way about love.

My dog is a tiger.

Both of these objects are animals-- so they are not entirely dissimilar. The strength of the metaphor suffers and can even fall flat in this type of comparison.

A metonomy (meh-tah'-no-me) is a type of metaphor where a closely associated object is used in place of the literal item itself. The university issued new rules on attendance," meaning the Dean or Board of Directors of a university got together and issued new rules. Thus, "university" is used in place of the leaders of the university. That's a metonomy.

A synechdoche (sih-nek'-doe-key) uses a part to represent the whole. "There were seven guns sailing the lake," The "guns" are used to represent the whole, "warships." Literally, seven warships sailed the lake. Using "guns" to represent the whole warship is a synechdoche.

Then there is the comparison of personification, where the object is given human characteristics-- or animation might give it characteristics of an animal. "The fog nuzzled up against the house." Giving fog this animal characteristic, to nuzzle, makes the literal action come more alive for us.

"The mighty ship swaggered into the bay." The human characteristic of swaggering adds an arrogant confidence to the ship.

There are many ways to draw a comparison, but be warned: avoid mixed metaphors. A mixed metaphor is when two comparisons clash-- and they usually will if you use two together. You can be clever and use mixes that work together, but you have to really work at it.

"Your love had thorns that shocked my finger." Love is compared here to thorns, which normally prick fingers, yet the second comparison uses the word shocked thus drawing a comparison with electricity. These comparisons clash.

Comparisons are the heart and soul of poetry, allowing the poet to enlighten or entertain by the lessons or concepts to be had in the comparisons themselves. Poets often compare abstract ideas to concrete things that help to illuminate or explain the abstract idea.

Comparisons can be specific and localized as in, "the thoughts that hammered out my love" or they can be understood in larger scope, like a poem that speaks of the ebb and flow of the ocean, and its waves, and how they are more restless at times but calmer at others, and about the changing tides, and all, being compared overall to life's many changes.

The comparison might not become evident until later in the poem.

Here is a poem that uses an extended metaphor comparing Mother to a ship. It almost waxes allegorical.

Mothership

Mother was the brightest flower of childhood,
Endless in care and love and giving all she could,
Protecting me from fears like that first leering cloud
That covered the sun in its bold billowing shroud.

How could I imagine such a menacing hate?
Holding fast her rafted ribs afraid of our fate,
Terrified by the gargoyle's sight fixed on me,
Tempest tossed in the raucous anger at high sea.

Covered by her sails, what could the sky-monster do?
She caught the wind and ran and saw me right on through,
She held me in her bow and sang me such sweet songs,
She steered me clear of all the stormy hates and wrongs.

The vessel of her love preserved me in my way
I learned well the open seas sailing her each day.
I anchored in the harbor, safe in bed each night
Mother ship would sail again at dawn's early light.

DE Navarro

Challenge: Focus on and explore some metaphors and similes today in your poetry. Try out different levels of comparison and enjoy.

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