In poetry, what is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one thing is another in order to highlight similarities between them. This comparison does not employ "like" or "as," which distinguishes it from similes that do make such comparisons explicitly. By saying something is something else, metaphors create vivid imagery and insight, often allowing readers or listeners to grasp complex ideas or emotions in a more expressive way.

For instance, saying "Time is a thief" does not mean time literally steals, but it conveys the idea that time can take away moments from our lives just as a thief would take possessions. This depth of meaning is why metaphors are powerful in poetry and literature, enabling creative expression and deeper understanding.