What’s in a Poem?
Writers use different literary techniques, poetic forms, and sound patterns to create rich imagery and emotional connections with readers. Use this glossary to inspire your budding poet.
Alliteration: Repeating, within a line or phrase, the same initial consonant sound in several words (The raging river roared.)
Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings
Assonance: Repeating, within a line or phrase, the same vowel sounds in words that have different consonants (The mad cat ran.)
Blank verse: Poetry that doesn't rhyme but which has a set meter and rhythm
Carpe Diem: Latin for "seize the day," a common theme in poetry that emphasizes how life is short so we should make the most of today
Echo: Repeating sounds, syllables, words, or lines in a poem
Homonym: Words that have the same pronunciation and spelling but different meanings (game of pool, swimming pool)
Homophone: Words that are pronounced alike but are spelled differently and usually have different meanings (to, too, and two; write and right)
Hyperbole: An extreme exaggeration that emphasizes a point but isn't meant to be taken literally (I'll give you a million dollars for that cookie!)
Metaphor: Describing something by comparing it to another object or thing without using "like" or "as" (The moon was a shining jewel.)
Onomatopoeia: The use of a word that sounds like the thing it stands for (buzz, sizzle)
Personification: A type of metaphor where human characteristics or feelings are given to an animal, object, or idea (the brave tree)
Simile: A way of describing something by using "like" or "as" to compare it to something else (Her eyes were like stars.)
Synonyms: Words that have the same or nearly the same meanings
