Popular Content
Want Email Updates?
Get emails about new stuff.
Be the first to know.
Looking for Something?
Figurative Language Poems with Questions
Poetry is a rich source of figurative language. Though there are examples of figurative language to be found in all genres of literature, perhaps none more than in poetry. Good poets pack worlds of meaning into tiny little lines. These lines evoke emotions, thoughts, and at times social change. One of the ways that poets perform these linguistic miracles is with the use of figurative language. This page contains a selection of poems that I find to be rich with figurative language.
Each poem also includes a sampling of comprehension, inference, review, and discussion questions, so that they are ready for classroom use. Learn more about how I study figurative language in the classroom with my figurative language lesson and unit plans.
Figurative Language Poem 1: 'Sketch'
This short poem by Carl Sandburg describes ships on the shore and a rolling tide. It uses repetition really nicely as well as personification, hyperbole, metaphor, and alliteration. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Figurative Language Poem 2: 'I Sing the Battle'
There is often a naive and jubilant rush to battle before wars begin. A sobering reality check comes after the horrors are unleashed. Harry Kemp expresses this dynamic exquisitely in this short poem. He uses an interesting rhetorical technique and it contains many examples of figurative language. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
Figurative Language Poem 3: 'The Grave'
This poem by Robert Blair gives readers a wry interpretation of life and death. It uses simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and the tone of the poem is an intriguing centerpiece of discussion. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
Figurative Language Poem 4: 'The Dawn's Awakening!'
This poem was written by African American poet Otto Leland Bohanan around the time of the Harlem Renaissance. It expresses the power and beauty of a sunrise as it clears away darkness. This poems uses personification, metaphor, hyperbole, and some great imagery. There are also an interesting moment in the poem where the tone shifts and suggests something more. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
Figurative Language Poem 5: 'Sleep'
This poem by Annie Matheson describes the beauty of nature as night descends over a summer day. It is packed full of figurative language! Metaphors, similes, some beautiful imagery, and at least five examples of personification. This is a great poem to study if you're teaching personification. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 9-13
Figurative Language Poem 6: 'X' and 'XXI'
Emily Dickinson wrote these two poems about books. They compliment one another really well. They contain examples of personification, metaphor, and alliteration. They also promote literacy. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 8-12
Figurative Language Poem 7: 'A Lady'
This poem written by Amy Lowell describes an interaction between a young woman and an old woman. It is written from the perspective of the young woman. There are some winding and well-crafted instances of figurative language in this piece. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
Figurative Language Poem 8: 'The Black Land'
This poem written by Joseph Warren Beach describes a farmer as he tills the land. It contains some interesting uses of metaphor, personification, and simile. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Figurative Language Poem 9: 'Operating Room'
This poem written by John Reed deals with subject matter that may be grim or unsettling to some readers. It is about a hospital operating room and a man who awakens to find that he has lost the use of his legs. The poem is chilling, but wonderfully written. It uses simile, metaphor, and hyperbole. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 9-13.
Figurative language makes poetry come alive.
Figurative Language
Common Core State Standards
Figurative Language Anchor Standards
R.4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.RL.2.4 - Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
RL.3.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
RL.4.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).
RL.5.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
RL.6.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RL.7.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.8.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RL.9-10.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
RL.11-12.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
Click to VIEW Grade Level Standards for R.4
L.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.3.5a - Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).
L.4.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.4.5a - Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
L.5.5a - Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
L.6.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.6.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
L.7.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.8.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.8.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
L.9-10.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
L.3.5a - Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).
L.4.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.4.5a - Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
L.5.5a - Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
L.6.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.6.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
L.7.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.8.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.8.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
L.9-10.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.11-12.5a - Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
Click to VIEW Grade Level Standards for L.5
Still looking for something?
Search here.
Search here.
Leave a comment
58 Comments
Leave a Reply
By Using This Website You Agree to the Terms of Use and are aware of our privacy policy.
Subscribe Now
Get emails about new stuff.
Don't worry. I hate spam too.
Some Other Useful Pages
- Author's Purpose Worksheets
- Characterization Worksheets
- Conflict Worksheets
- Fact and Opinion Worksheets
- Figurative Language Activities
- Figurative Language Poems with Questions
- Genre Activities
- Irony Worksheets
- Making Predictions
- Mood Worksheets
- Nonfiction Passages and Functional Texts
- Parts of Speech Worksheets
- Poetic Devices
- Point of View Worksheets
- School Project Ideas
- Setting Worksheets
- Simile and Metaphor Worksheets
- Story Structure Worksheets
- Text Structure Worksheets
- Theme Worksheets
- Tone Worksheets
- ALL PAGES AND WORKSHEETS
Search This Site
Zahra
/ November 6, 2023I love this app
Juan
/ October 27, 2023I am grateful and impressed by the quality of your material. What application do you use to create the online quizzes?
Mr. Morton
/ December 19, 2023I wrote them myself (HTML, CSS, a little PHP, and JavaScript). Thank you!
Zahra hafez
/ October 1, 2023Thank you so much for sharing them ❤️
Anuradha
/ August 5, 2023I really appreciate this. Because all the resources are very clear, knowledgeable and attractive. I enjoy these lessons with my children.
ghulam ghouss
/ March 13, 2023very helpful
thanks.
Rebekah Marshall
/ November 30, 2022Wow! This is one of my favorite poetry resources I have ever found. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
Riverman
/ November 17, 2022Excellent Practice!
Neena
/ June 24, 2022The resource is clear and concise. A great great help
Neena
/ June 24, 2022The resource is clear and concise. Agreat great help whenever I am stuck.
Josie
/ February 16, 2022This website always has AWESOME resources for me to use in class. Thanks so much!! 🙂
Daniela
/ July 30, 2020This is an amazing resource. Thank you for putting this site together. The poems are great and the worksheets very well put together.
Rosa
/ February 2, 2020Your material is super helpful and amazing. I am very grateful. Thank you so much. You are brilliant.
Kim
/ January 30, 2020Thank you!!! Just what I needed.
Nancy Shook
/ July 16, 2019Do you have one of these on “Sea Fever” with questions?
Zohra
/ March 7, 2019brilliant piece of work, thank you soooo much
lexi
/ February 22, 2019love these. were really helpful
J. Brownrigg
/ February 6, 2019I am very grateful that this resource is here and free. Whenever I become stuck, wondering what direction I might take, I look at your sheets and see things which either fit the bill or inspire me to try something new. So few teachers have money to spend on the very things we need to improve. Your help is gratefully appreciated.
Movita Utt
/ February 4, 2019Mr. Morton,
Thank you for such a wonderful and resourceful site. I have used your materials for a number of years, and my students always do well on their state tests.
You offer such a wide variety and large number of activities on the same topic that I am able to use many as instructional and practice materials and still have several worksheets or activities to use as review just prior to the spring tests.
I hope you know how much you are appreciated! I just can’t say enough good things about you and this site.
God bless!
ponka lersda
/ December 18, 2018amazin outstanding
Sandy
/ November 21, 2018Amazing
My school uses the so I can practice them
They may come like tests:D
john thomas baker
/ September 27, 2018its okay to me!
Annonymous
/ July 21, 2018That’s what I wanted thanks a lot
Best site english poem practice
Aparna Ganguli
/ June 1, 2018Thank you very much, Mr Morton. I am sure I do not have words enough to tell you how much the website has helped me in teaching. Please keep the good work going.
Mr. Morton
/ June 29, 2018The words you shared are more than enough. Thanks for visiting and I will.
CAO Zhixi
/ April 7, 2018Exercellent!
Thanks!
CAO Zhixi
Mandy Poppins
/ March 2, 2018This is amazing!!! Thank you so much for making it available and for supplying answer keys. This is so well thought out!
Burki
/ December 30, 2017Dear Mr Norton,
Amazing work! Your resources helped me a lot. Can you please send me some more? Thank you!
Nebras
/ October 23, 2017Very good
Mrs. Bergren
/ October 19, 2017Thank you so much for the content on this site! My freshmen find poetry so dull; I can’t wait to introduce some of the activities to them.
Mr. Morton
/ October 19, 2017I’m pleased to hear it. Let me know how it goes.
Mrs. Bergren
/ November 6, 2017My students are hooked on the poetry video games; they even play them outside of school!
Mr. Morton
/ November 8, 2017I love hearing that. Thanks for spreading the love!
BOSCO NKUNZURWANDA
/ August 24, 2017thanks
Gerty Ferns
/ August 12, 2017Great worksheets!!
Thank you very much for making these resources available so easily. All worksheets are of great quality and have a range of detailed language skills. I am very grateful for your generosity.
daniel
/ July 18, 2017thanks for the amazing information i am sure to come back
Person
/ May 18, 2017Do you know only myra cohn livingston poems?
stephanie
/ November 25, 2016This really helped me with my exams.Thnx
roopali
/ October 26, 2016This site is simply awesome !!!!!
Thanks a ton and keep going with new stuff!!!
Cienna Ortiz
/ October 20, 2016This helped me so much.Thank you.
jan perales
/ August 17, 2016Love this site. It was a great help
anesh anilesh deo
/ August 7, 2016Thats what i all need
thank you very much
Pegs
/ May 10, 2016Your examples are amazing and just what I was looking for…thank you so much!
Nishat
/ May 7, 2016Excellent Resources! It is aligned with CCSS. Great job. Thank you
N syed
/ May 7, 2016Wonderful teaching resources! It is aligned with CCSS. Thank you.
Ma unice Fajardo
/ January 8, 2016I really like the poem.
M. Nelson
/ December 31, 2015Mahalo nui Dr. Morton,
I came across your resources while looking for a way to incorporate figurative language exploration into my students independent reading and LOVE THEM!
Aloha
Mr. Morton
/ January 19, 2016Thank you so much.
KYB
/ November 28, 2015Thanks a million! Forever grateful!
Julissa
/ January 18, 2015These are great resources! They will help the students that I’m tutoring to really grasp poetic terms. Thank you for sharing these items in such an organized way!
devin jordan
/ January 16, 2015thank you so much Mr.Morton this helped me a lot on my project
Brendan Gamor sixth grade student
/ December 29, 2014Ur poems helped me do my project so thank you mr Morton
Han
/ November 6, 2014Thank you very much for making these resources available. They are of great quality and there is a great range of different types of detailed worksheets. I am very grateful for your generosity.
Jacqueline Carter
/ September 15, 2014Thank you for this resource. i found the poems were quite appropriate for the grade level.
Mr. Morton
/ September 18, 2014I’m happy to hear it.
Kalli Carvalho
/ May 4, 2014Amazing Core aligned curriculum. I have used the middle school ELA worksheets, and noticed that the online practice tests are VERY SIMILAR to recent Smarter Balance pilot tests. Thank you
Mr. Morton
/ May 4, 2014Thank you for saying so.
Rasi
/ January 13, 2014interesting