FIGURES OF SPEECH
by James Tate, Tulsa, Ok

Figures of speech in poetry can add flair and texture unequaled by other conventions. But use them sparingly since too many figures of speech are like a woman wearing too much jewelry. When we embody figures of speech in thoughts, feelings, and actions, our poems are more apt to sizzle and sell. As a review, here are a few of the more popular figures of speech.

Metaphor

Metaphors work wonders when chosen carefully. For example, "She's a doll" describes a pretty female more quickly than many detailed sentences. What poet would not wish to have the acclaim of Aristotle? He said, "A good metaphor is the sign of genius."

Try to build word images in imaginative ways-that is exactly what Poet George Roemisch did in this little jewel: "Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet clinging fast to the heel that crushed it." His metaphor needs no interpretation as it shows precisely how figures of speech enhance poetry.

Simile

Solomon, the world's greatest wise man, knew the importance of similes. "Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver." (Proverbs 25:11 KJV).

Avoid clichés such as "He's like a bull in a china closet", "beast of burden", "flat as a pancake", or "slippery slope." Of these aging phrases, slippery slope is probably the newest, but I see it too often. With some thought we can replace these with verbiage sparkling like fresh fruit.

Personification

Poets can mine treasures from the Bible by gleaning from its precepts, maxims, moral conducts, and vignettes of life. Isaiah gave human characteristics to inanimate objects in this personification: "The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands," (Isaiah 55:12 NIV). Stirs your imagination.

Onomatopoeia and alliteration

Try to open and close your poem with images, for they not only add quality, they stick in the reader's mind. Here is one I wrote for this article using onomatopoeia-a big word simply meaning words that sound like what they are. These words are emphasized, as are words of alliteration-words with similar beginning sounds.

Our Savior Paid it All
The swish of the stinging whip
Warned Him of the coming snap,
And he felt the piercing pain
As tearing flesh burned His back.

How then, can we not serve Him?
For He died upon the cross.
The pearly portals are open,
His atonement paid the cost.

As now, we humbly serve Him,
Our spirits will surely soar.
With hearts anticipating,
Our Savior swings wide the door!

Finally, as we strive to enhance our poetry, let us prayerfully search the Scriptures and ask the Lord for guidance, subject matter, and style. Then watch Him shower upon us ideas favored with His affection as we go out and brighten the world with lovely poems.

In His service, James