Metaphor/Simile exercises

Simile
A simile is a comparison between two nouns using like or as to make the connection.
Similes are very similar to metaphors but function a little differently.
A poet can use a simile rather than a metaphor for rhythm, sound, and meaning.
Adjectives often are included in a simile to make the comparison more imaginative.
Example: The night was dark and damp like an old trout buried in a moldy sock.
Similes are also a little less forceful and not as bold as metaphors.
Example: The woman is like a tornado. Opposed to: The woman is a tornado.
In the first example the woman is only compared to a tornado. The comparison is only suggested. The woman may also be like something else. In the second example the woman is a tornado. The comparison is stated directly. She is not similar to anything else--she is just a tornado.

Activity: Complete the following phrases by making them into similes. After completing these, complete the exercise on Metaphors and then create a series of short poems heavy on the imagery.

As empty as…
Stumbling like a…
Gathered together like a…
As rough as…
Singing like a…
Trembling like a…
Praying like a …
Stinking like a…
Grinning like a…

The trick, of course, is to avoid cliche.

Metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison between two unrelated nouns.
Metaphors are the backbone of poetry. They communicate in images and ideas which general language cannot convey. As a poetic tool, they are very effective communicators and provide pictures or images.

Activity: Write metaphors for each of the words or phrases below and then for some of the metaphors answer the question who, what, where, when, how and/or why about your comparisons. Use this brainstorming to create a series of short poems.

Heart of...
Mountains of...
War (love) is...
The ocean is...
The moon is...
This house of...

Of course continue these lists using your own subjects. Try to come up with a few originals.