Poems Technique Of Symbolism

Published: July 2018

Symbolism is a technique used in writing when one thing stands for something else. Some examples of symbolism are a rainbow represents hope, a withering leaf stands for aging and a dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace.

13 Poems With Symbolism

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1. Caged Bird
- By Maya Angelou
in Famous Inspirational Poems

Analysis of Form and Technique

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
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2. Mighty Oak
- By Kathy J. Parenteau
- Published: September 2010
Strong And Inspiring Like A Mighty Tree

in Inspirational Poems

Stand tall, oh mighty oak, for all the world to see.
Your strength and undying beauty forever amazes me.
Though storm clouds hover above you,
Your branches span the sky

Stand tall, oh mighty oak, for all the world to see.
Your strength and undying beauty forever amazes me.
Though storm clouds hover above you,
Your branches span the sky
In search of the radiant sunlight you
Count on to survive.
When the winds are high and restless and
You lose a limb or two,
It only makes you stronger.
We could learn so much from you.
Though generations have come and gone
And brought about such change,
Quietly you've watched them all,
Yet still remained the same.
I only pray God gives to me
The strength he's given you
To face each day with hope,
Whether skies are black or blue.
Life on earth is truly a gift.
Every moment we must treasure.
It's the simple things we take for granted
That become our ultimate pleasures.
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3. Mother To Son
- By Langston Hughes
in Famous Family Poems

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor-
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
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4. Endure Like A Tree
- By Alicia Quetzalcoatl
- Published: May 2015
Poem About Enduring The Hardships You Face In Life

in Hope Poems

To get through life you have to endure as a tree does.
When Mother Nature tries to bring you down,
You will never fall; you will stand your ground.
You will encounter burning flames.

To get through life you have to endure as a tree does.
When Mother Nature tries to bring you down,
You will never fall; you will stand your ground.
You will encounter burning flames.
Yes, it will be painful and hard,
But once it's over and done with,
Your bark will grow back stronger than ever.
When your leaves start to slowly leave,
Never fret, there will be more to take their place.
They'll come and go throughout your life,
That's just how it is.
From the time you're a seedling to the time you're mature,
Your roots will always be there to support you.
After many years,
After enduring forest fires and changing leaves,
Your own saplings will fall away to start anew.
Then you'll know not to worry,
They'll grow into tall, strong trees,
Just like those before you.
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5. Note To Self
- By Donna Marie
- Published: January 2018
Metaphor For Dealing With Change

in Inspirational Poems

Be like the willow that bends,
shade that it sends,
peace that it lends.

Be like the willow that bends,
shade that it sends,
peace that it lends.

During the breeze
its leaves will appease
and shift with ease.

Enduring, alluring, maturing.
Be like the willow that bends.
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This is an amazing poem - saying so much in very few words. Things don't always go the way we want, and sometimes we have to adapt and do so cheerfully - a very important lesson. It is also...

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6. A Poison Tree
- By William Blake
in Famous Friendship Poems

Analysis of Form and Technique

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.

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 waterd it in fears
Night & 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 outstretchd beneath the tree.
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7. A New Beginning
- By Troy Martin, Jr.
- Published: February 2006
Metaphor For A Child Growing Up

in Growing Up Poems

A little egg under her mother's wings.
Yet to be born into the world of things.

A crack and a pop, out she came.

A little egg under her mother's wings.
Yet to be born into the world of things.

A crack and a pop, out she came.
Old and new, it was all the same.

Well nourished by mom, she began to sing.
Ready to learn of life and everything.

Innocence of new, she started up her flaps.
Not knowing of life and all its traps.

Mother watched on, with a big chuckle.
As she sprang out of the nest with no buckle.

Back and forth, she swayed on the ground.
As her mother watched for danger all around.

She tried and tried until that day.
Fly she did, but not in a graceful way.

The day came, like mother knew it would.
For her child to fly away, like she should.

Off towards the horizon, fling she went.
Mother watching from afar, knowing it was time well spent.

Many times, the hailstorms of life beat her down.
Sometimes in flight, all the way to the ground.

Lessons well learned, she still lost her way.
Fluttered home to mom, with nothing to say.

Under mother's wings once more, did she heal.
The grace of mothers, no one can steal.

By grace did she heal, down to the core.
Ready to take on life and its challenges once more.

She flew from the tree, mom proud to see.
She became the strongest sparrow that ever would be.

The eagles bowed down, had nothing on her, by the way.
She flew, glided, and boy, did she soar that day.
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Yes it touches to my heart.
As we are the parents who do this for our children to make them strongest on earth.

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8. The Rose
- By Billie Jo
- Published: May 2013
You're Beautiful As Yourself

in Metaphor Poems

The sun went away
The sky went black
Up came the wind
I fell on my back

The sun went away
The sky went black
Up came the wind
I fell on my back

It started to rain
I began to sink
Then I lifted my head
And took a drink

I perked myself up
And said "please don't cry"
And wiped off my petals
Until they were dry

The clouds soon parted
And out came the sun
The beauty in me
Has only begun.
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9. Vibrant Colors
- By Paul T. East
- Published: July 2016
Don't Judge Me

in Metaphor Poems

Don't judge my cover; it's not mine.
I was given this to wear for the duration of my time.
Over time it has become creased, ripped, and worn,
A once perfect canvas the day I was born.

Don't judge my cover; it's not mine.
I was given this to wear for the duration of my time.
Over time it has become creased, ripped, and worn,
A once perfect canvas the day I was born.

Even the corners are rounded and jaded.
The vibrant colors that once were have now faded.
Deep inside there are pages missing.
I wish that one day you would sit and listen.

Turn these pages slowly and rewind time,
For it's down to you to make up your mind.
Gently close me; be careful of my cover.
Then place me back on the shelf for someone new to discover...

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10. Seeds Of Growth
- By David Rivera
- Published: February 2006
A Poem About The Cycle Of Life

in Change Poems

Water the seed, and a plant will grow.
Feed the plant, and a tree will grow.
Give a tree room, and it will bloom.
A seed to a plant,

Water the seed, and a plant will grow.
Feed the plant, and a tree will grow.
Give a tree room, and it will bloom.
A seed to a plant,
A plant to a tree,
A boy to a man,
A man to a father.
Care for the boy, and the man will grow.
Teach the man, and a father will grow.
I see my boys.
I see my joy.
Care for my boys, and I, the man, will grow.
Teach me, my boys, and your father will grow.
You can't have the tree without the plant.
You can't have the plant without the seed.
I can't be a father without being a man.
I, the man, can't be a father without my boys.
The cycle of life.
The man, the boys, the father.
The seed, the plant, the tree.
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11. A Smooth Beach
- By Chase
- Published: July 2018
A Comparison Between Waves And Time

in Beach Poems

Waves continuously wash away footprints,
Like time washes away, leaving you with a clean slate.
A smooth beach.
Waves wash away the good and bad.

Waves continuously wash away footprints,
Like time washes away, leaving you with a clean slate.
A smooth beach.
Waves wash away the good and bad.
Waves and time don't discriminate.
All encompassing,
Everything returns to the ocean.
It's just a matter of time
Before you're washed away.
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12. A Thorny Rose
- By Kirston D. Warfield
- Published: February 2006
in Short Poems

Our life is like a thorny rose
Not perfect, but always beautiful
The thorns represent the hardships in our lives.
The delicate red petals represent the fun and beautiful things in our lives.

Our life is like a thorny rose
Not perfect, but always beautiful
The thorns represent the hardships in our lives.
The delicate red petals represent the fun and beautiful things in our lives.
As a young rose the petals hugging around the seed
are the family and friends who protect, love, and care for us.
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Lovely Poem. Life means struggling. We know we may seem like a rose, but some thorns are our weaknesses. Let's forget all the awkward moments and smile like a rose accepting the thorns for a...

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13. A Butterfly
- By Silvia Burley
- Published: July 2015
Poem About Being Comforted By Grandma's Spirit

in Metaphor Poems

A caterpillar walks in beauty
through the sunshine and the rain,
leaving sweet memories
to ease away the pain.

A caterpillar walks in beauty
through the sunshine and the rain,
leaving sweet memories
to ease away the pain.

In time her image changes,
and yet her soul remains the same,
returning to the heavens
from that in which she came.

A butterfly of beauty,
dancing upon the reef,
softly whispers to me,
comforts me in grief.

Do not cry for me.
Together we are one.
My love for you shines brighter
than the ever glowing sun.

Her beauty, the brightest colors,
gentle touch of love,
fluttering wings casting light,
shining through the clouds above.

A caterpillar walked in beauty;
a gentle soul was she.
Alas, she is now a butterfly.
Yet she'll always be Grandma to me.
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1 - 13 of 13

Poems Technique Of Symbolism

13 Poems With Symbolism

1. Caged Bird

2. Mighty Oak

3. Mother To Son

4. Endure Like A Tree

5. Note To Self

6. A Poison Tree

7. A New Beginning

8. The Rose

9. Vibrant Colors

10. Seeds Of Growth

11. A Smooth Beach

12. A Thorny Rose

13. A Butterfly