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Short extract
POETRY’S LANGUAGE
Poetry uses language in many different ways. By noticing the techniques poets use with
language, it becomes easier to understand and talk about a poem. If you are a writer, consider
using some of these language techniques to emphasize certain ideas, themes or images.
Imagery
Plain and simple, imagery is the word used to describe the types of images a poet uses
throughout the poem. Images are references to a single mental creation; they are the verbal
representation of a sense impression. However, there are many different types of imagery that
can be used.
Visual Images (sight)
Example: “The look-out man will see some lakes of milk-color light on the sea’s
night-purple”
“The Purse-Seine”
Robinson Jeffers
Tactile Images (touch)
Example: “The only things moving are swirls of snow.
As I lift the mailbox door, I feel its cold iron.”
“Driving to Town Late to Mail a Letter”
Robert Bly
Auditory Images (sounds)
Example: “she quietly rolled
flour tortillasthe
‘papas’
cracking in the hot lard
would wake me”
“My Grandmother Would Rock Quietly and Hum”
Leonard Adamé
Gustatory Images (tastes)
Example: “Take out a three-pound leg of lamb,
How my heart sings 