Symbolism, Imagery & Soul
Figurative Language Poems
Educational PoemsA Poison Tree
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I watered it in fears,
Night and morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.
And into my garden stole
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
Plain Explanation Meaning and Main Idea
This poem shows how hidden anger can grow into something harmful. When the speaker does not speak honestly about anger toward an enemy, the anger becomes like a poisonous tree that produces dangerous fruit.
Examples Figurative Language and Literary Devices
- Extended metaphor: Anger is compared to a tree that grows when it is fed by fear and deceit.
- Symbolism: The apple symbolizes the outward result of hidden hatred.
- Personification: Wrath “grows” like a living thing.
- Contrast: Open communication ends anger, while secrecy makes it stronger.
- Imagery: Watering, sunning, growing, and bearing fruit create a garden image for emotion.
Reader Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are figurative language poems?
Figurative language poems are poems that use non-literal language to create meaning, feeling, and imagery. Common examples include metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism, imagery, hyperbole, alliteration, and contrast.
What is a good short poem with figurative language?
“Clouds” by Anonymous is a good short poem with figurative language because it uses a clear metaphor by comparing clouds to white sheep. “The Eagle” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is also short and useful because it includes personification, imagery, alliteration, and a simile.
Which poems are best for teaching figurative language to students?
Good poems for teaching figurative language include “Hope is the thing with feathers,” “The Eagle,” “Clouds,” “Who Has Seen the Wind?,” “There is no Frigate like a Book,” “A Poison Tree,” and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” These poems contain clear examples that students can identify and explain.
What poem has similes, metaphors, and personification?
“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” includes simile, personification, imagery, and symbolism. “The Eagle” includes personification, alliteration, imagery, and the simile “like a thunderbolt.”
Are figurative language poems useful for middle school and high school?
Yes. Figurative language poems are useful for middle school and high school because they help students move beyond summary and explain how poetic language creates deeper meaning. They are also helpful for literary analysis, close reading, and poetry assignments.
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