In this edition of the Village Voice, Richard Blanco chose to discuss one of the greatest linguistic techniques used in poetry this week in honor of National Poetry Month, figurative language. Describing the autumn leaves as falling like confetti creates a much stronger image than merely saying the autumn leaves fell, said Blanco.

“[Figurative language] is a very powerful part of language that lets us communicate rather quickly and rather effectively at times,” he said.

Blanco read “A Blessing” by James Wright and “The Tiger” by Pablo Neruda to further emphasize the beauty figurative language can evoke when used creatively in poetry.

This episode of “Village Voice” aired on WGBH Boston Public Radio on April 8, 2019.