You Try It

Find figurative language in a poem.

Finding figurative language in poems is not difficult, but it does take some practice. Before you give it a try, use the chart below to review the types of figurative language you might find.

Similes are comparisons that use the words like and as.

Example: The clouds dashed across the sky like runners at a track meet.

Metaphors are comparisons that do not use the words like and as.

Example: The road is a ribbon in the early morning sun.

Personification is giving human traits to animals or objects.

Example: A giant ocean wave gobbled up the sandcastle.

This poem by A. R. Ammons includes one figure of speech, near the end. Can you find it?

After Yesterday

After yesterday
afternoon's blue
clouds and white rain
the mockingbird
in the backyard
untied the drops from
leaves and twigs
with a long singing.

Question

Did you find the figurative language in this poem? Write down the example of figurative language, and then click to check your answer.

This poem includes an example of personification. It describes a bird doing things only a human could do--untying, or slowly shaking loose, drops of rain from leaves and twigs.