Poetic Technique Of Symbolism

Published: July 2018

Poems With Symbolism - Symbolism In Poetry

Symbolism is a poetic technique that utilizes objects, people, or situations to represent a larger idea or concept beyond its literal meaning. It is a way for poets to create layers of meaning in their work and convey a deeper message to their audience.

Symbolism can take many forms, including metaphor, simile, and allegory. Poets use symbolism to create layers of meaning in their work and to convey complex ideas and emotions.

Some common examples of symbolism include

red rose to represent love or passion,
broken mirror to symbolize bad luck or a broken relationship,
butterfly to represent transformation or rebirth,
rainbow represents hope,
withering leaf stands for aging
dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace.

By using symbolism, writers can add depth and richness to their work and engage readers on a deeper emotional and intellectual level.

17 Poems With Symbolism - Symbolism In Poetry

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
- By William Wordsworth
Famous Poem

"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is a lyric poem that expresses deep feelings about the beauty of nature. William Wordsworth was a well-known poet of the Romantic era, which began at the beginning of the 1800s. The focus during the Romantic era was on people's feelings and their connectedness to nature. That was a drastic shift from the emphasis on science and reason of the Enlightenment era, which came before. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is one of Wordsworth's most famous poems. It was inspired by a journal entry his sister wrote recounting when the two of them went for a walk along the bay and saw a large number of daffodils.

in Famous Nature Poems

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
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Honestly! How lovely is this poem when read aloud. I can see the yellow heads of the daffodils doing their sprightly dance! And, when in the meditative state, I can feel them in my heart...

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Mother To Son
- By Langston Hughes
Famous Poem

Langston Hughes was a prominent writer during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, a mother uses the metaphor of life being like a staircase to give advice to her son. While there are difficult times, you must keep moving like you would while walking up a staircase.

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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I was not a very good student when I was in school. I did the minimal amount of work required, retained little and barely paid attention. In 1965, my 8th grade English teacher read MOTHER TO...

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Caged Bird
- By Maya Angelou
Famous Poem

Caged Bird By Maya Angelou was first published in her book, "Shaker, Why Don't You Sing?" in 1983. The poem is a Metaphor illustrating the differences between African-Americans and Whites during the civil rights era. The author, a black woman who grew up in the South during this era, is expressing her feelings at the discrimination she faced during her life. Her first autobiography published in 1970 is titled, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

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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The Rain
- By W. H. Davies
Famous Poem

In "The Rain" by W.H. Davies, the poet employs a range of poetic techniques to create a vivid and engaging picture of nature. Personification is also used throughout the poem, with the leaves given human qualities of drinking and being rich or poor. Imagery is another key technique used to convey the beauty of the rain, with the sound of leaves drinking described as a "sweet noise." Finally, symbolism is used to underscore the interconnectedness of nature, with the rain and the sun serving as symbols of renewal and transformation. These techniques come together to create a beautiful poem that celebrates the wonders of the nature.

in Famous Nature Poems

I hear leaves drinking rain;
I hear rich leaves on top
Giving the poor beneath
Drop after drop;

I hear leaves drinking rain;
I hear rich leaves on top
Giving the poor beneath
Drop after drop;
’Tis a sweet noise to hear
These green leaves drinking near.

And when the Sun comes out,
After this Rain shall stop,
A wondrous Light will fill
Each dark, round drop;
I hope the Sun shines bright;
’Twill be a lovely sight.
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The Room Of My Life
- By Anne Sexton
Famous Poem

Anne Sexton is a famous poet known for writing about challenging topics, often expressing despair in her work. In the poem "Room of Life," she reveals the troubled life she led through vivid imagery, including objects that seem to take on a life of their own. Sexton sees each object in her room as a reflection of her own life, including the books, the typewriter, the phone, and even the windows. She feeds both the world outside and her own inner world, but she struggles to find meaning in her existence.

in Famous Sad Poems

Here,
in the room of my life
the objects keep changing.
Ashtrays to cry into,

Here,
in the room of my life
the objects keep changing.
Ashtrays to cry into,
the suffering brother of the wood walls,
the forty-eight keys of the typewriter
each an eyeball that is never shut,
the books, each a contestant in a beauty contest,
the black chair, a dog coffin made of Naugahyde,
the sockets on the wall
waiting like a cave of bees,
the gold rug
a conversation of heels and toes,
the fireplace
a knife waiting for someone to pick it up,
the sofa, exhausted with the exertion of a whore,
the phone
two flowers taking root in its crotch,
the doors
opening and closing like sea clams,
the lights
poking at me,
lighting up both the soil and the laugh.
The windows,
the starving windows
that drive the trees like nails into my heart.
Each day I feed the world out there
although birds explode
right and left.
I feed the world in here too,
offering the desk puppy biscuits.
However, nothing is just what it seems to be.
My objects dream and wear new costumes,
compelled to, it seems, by all the words in my hands
and the sea that bangs in my throat.
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Because I Could Not Stop For Death
- By Emily Dickinson
Famous Poem

A poem about death. Dickinson portrays death as her companion in the carriage. She passes her childhood - the school, to her grave. The poem makes heavy use of the literary device of personification, giving death human characteristics.

in Famous Death Poems

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.

We passed the school, where children strove
At recess, in the ring;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

Or rather, he passed us;
The dews grew quivering and chill,
For only gossamer my gown,
My tippet only tulle.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.

Since then 'tis centuries, and yet each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.
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A Poison Tree
- By William Blake
Famous Poem

This poem by William Blake (1757-1827 London) depicts the value of not holding bad feelings inside. In the poem, he suggests that sharing your bad feelings with the one you are angry about will cause the ill will to disappear. On the other hand, holding a grudge inside will only make it grow more powerful. The poem ends with a murder in a garden.

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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A Poison Tree is a short and deceptively simple poem about repressing anger and the consequences of doing so. The speaker tells of how they fail to communicate their wrath to their foe and...

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Mighty Oak
- By Kathy J. Parenteau
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2010 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem many years ago when I was grieving my grandfather's death. He was a published poet and the light of my life. I saw him as that oak tree. He was always so strong, and his faith never wavered. He taught me so much about life and love and family, but most of all about Christian faith. He will be forever missed, but someday I will meet him in heaven, and until then this will always be my tribute to Caleb Fowler, the greatest man I ever knew.

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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This poem has greatly touched me. The poet has a firm faith in his father, which every son ought to have. A father is the center point for a son's life. To have faith in him and live the life...

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A New Beginning
- By Troy Martin, Jr.
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2006 with permission of the Author.
We watch with bated breath as our children spread their wings, fearing that they will fall and become dejected.

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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Endure Like A Tree
- By Alicia Quetzalcoatl
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2015 with permission of the Author.
I love my niece very much, but sadly, my sister took her to live far away. My heart breaks when I talk to her on the phone because she is going through a tough time, and I can't comfort her. I wrote this poem for her on her 10th birthday.

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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Hello I am Salih Abass. I lost my father while I was very young, and I was taken away from my mother to my grandmother even before I was two years. She took me to school. I lost my grandmom...

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Note To Self
- By Donna Marie
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2018 with permission of the Author.
A short inspirational reminder to flow with changes.

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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The Rose
- By Billie Jo
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2013 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem as a free verse assignment a while ago. I believe it inspires you to never give up on who you are because you're beautiful as yourself.

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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A Butterfly
- By Silvia Burley
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2015 with permission of the Author.
The poem "A Butterfly" is dedicated to my Grandmother Eva, who has since passed over to Heaven. She is my inspiration. She was a person I could tell my secrets to, a person who would cheer me when I was sad and help me up each time I fell. My grandmother always looked to the positive in life, and although she is now on her journey into the afterlife, she still comforts me in spirit and in my dreams. I am never alone because my grandmother is with me always.
Love you, Grandma...

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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Vibrant Colors
- By Paul T. East
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2016 with permission of the Author.
My name is Paul, and the one woman I loved judged my looks rather than my heart.

A Poem Of Perseverance And Inner Beauty

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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A Smooth Beach
- By Chase
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2018 with permission of the Author.
The poem is a comparison between waves and time.

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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A Thorny Rose
- By Kirston D. Warfield
- Published by Family Friend Poems April 2006 with permission of the Author.
A young girl compares life to a rose.

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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Seeds Of Growth
- By David Rivera
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2006 with permission of the Author.
A poem about the cycle of life. We are all intertwined and help others grow.

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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I had an idea of what being a father was. But, as I had my own children, becoming a father made me reflect and change completely my relationship with my parents and what I conceived as being...

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Poetic Technique Of Symbolism

17 Poems With Symbolism - Symbolism In Poetry

Langston Hughes was a prominent writer during the Harlem Renaissance. In this poem, a mother uses the metaphor of life being like a staircase to give advice to her son. While there are difficult times, you must keep moving like you would while walking up a staircase.

A poem about death. Dickinson portrays death as her companion in the carriage. She passes her childhood - the school, to her grave. The poem makes heavy use of the literary device of personification, giving death human characteristics.

We watch with bated breath as our children spread their wings, fearing that they will fall and become dejected.

I love my niece very much, but sadly, my sister took her to live far away. My heart breaks when I talk to her on the phone because she is going through a tough time, and I can't comfort her. I wrote this poem for her on her 10th birthday.

A short inspirational reminder to flow with changes.

I wrote this poem as a free verse assignment a while ago. I believe it inspires you to never give up on who you are because you're beautiful as yourself.

My name is Paul, and the one woman I loved judged my looks rather than my heart.

The poem is a comparison between waves and time.

A young girl compares life to a rose.

A poem about the cycle of life. We are all intertwined and help others grow.