A metaphor is much like a simile in the fact that it makes a comparison between unlikely things. However, a metaphor is more forceful than a simile. The like, resembles, as, or than are dropped. Hence, metaphors sound forceful. For example, instead of saying "He crawled like a lizard," a metaphor would state, "He was a lizard".

One of the most common metaphors that we hear every day are implied, or suggested, comparisons. Examples of these are "the table legs," "the neck of the woods," and "the foot of the mountain." All of these common, everyday metaphors compare objects to different parts of the body. They are so commonly used that we often do not realize that they are metaphors. Almost every single word has a metaphor in it. For example, if someone "barked a command," we connect that person to resemble a dog. However, metaphors in poems often surprise us with new ways of comparing objects.

The next poem was written by one of my classmates and uses some metaphors.

In your eyes
By Ryan

As I look out the window,
I see an empty space
I suddenly see a man,
I recognize his face.
I see him almost every day,
this happened for over a year.
So when he says hello,
I respond and have no fear.
I see it in your eyes,
you don't get paid much.
But this you can't deny,
it is your only crutch.
Even though you falter,
you have a job to do.
You have no grandiose ideas,
such as leading a coup.
I see it in your eyes,
you wish El Presidentle would go.
You want the economy to come back up,
so your level of living would not so low.
I can't imagine what it would be like,
to live in a house much like your own.
You have no modern conveniences
or room for a mouse to roam.
You see what is around you,
it is a cruel, cruel world.
You can do nothing
as Chavez's plans are unfurled.
You are a freindly person
who is good natured at heart.
And you can not imagine,
why the world is falling apart.
Occasionally you stop and see the news,
but all that's ever on is war.
Whether it be in Afghanistan of Israel,
you quickly walk away as it is a bore.
All you want is peace and prosperity,
it is set deeply in your eyes.
You do not want death or war,
you don't want to hear those cries.
I saw it in your eyes,
for well over a year.
And now I do not see you,
you are no longer here.
Where have you gone,
I have no one to exchange hi's.
I knew you were unhappy,
I saw it in your eyes.