Writing Poetry With Similes: Help For Students

Help with Poetry and Similes

Do you roll your eyes when the teacher mentions poetry? Hopefully, it is because you do not know a great deal about it. Actually, poetry is an art form that can be quite fun to write.

The key is to follow the rules and to use poetry techniques to add interest to a piece. One common literary device used in poetry is the simile, and you'll find poetry tips and help with similes in this article.

What Are Similes?

Writers employ similies in prose as well as poetry. Similes are comparisons of unlike things using like or as.

Examples:

The dog was as ferocious as a wild boar.
Helen's hair was like corn silk blowing wildly in the wind.

Guard Against Using Clichés

There are clichéd sayings that are similes that you might have heard before, such as

Margie was as pretty as a picture
Barbie was as tall as a giraffe
Ken was as skinny as a rail
Bart was as big as a house

Don't use clichés in your poetry. Be creative and original when writing similes. In addition, similes can sometimes be used as put downs. It is important to be positive when you write poetry or to express an emotion.

Write a Poem

When writing a poem, use similes sparingly. It's possible to have too much of a good thing. Choose a topic that you like. The poem can express emotion, describe a moment in time, tell a story, show beauty, etc.

There are many types of poems that have specific rules about the number of lines, syllables, rhyme pattern, and so forth. For example, there are chants, narrative poems, epic poems, allegories, and more. They are not difficult to write. You just have to follow the rules.

You can also write a free verse poem, which virtually has no rules. The poem can center on the simile or focus on the topic. Make sure the poem is a complete thought.

Peer Edit

After you have written your poem, have a parent or a trusted friend check your work. They can offer suggestions to improve it. Just remember to be creative, original, thoughtful and sincere.

Photo reference: Kellie Hayden

This post is part of the series: Poetry Help

When teachers assign you to write a poem, don’t worry. Try these tips and ideas from this series of lessons on poetry.