Extended Metaphor Assignment (30 points)
Due Date: ___________
Directions: Using the Langston Hughes poem for inspiration, create your own extended
metaphor poem based on the structure of “Mother to son.” Your poem needs to be
written according to the following format:
1. The title of your poem can be either Son/Daughter to Mother or Father. You must
specify either your mother or father for whom you wish the poem to be directed towards.
2. The poem needs to be the same length and format as the Langston Hughes poem,
“Mother to Son.”
3. The poem’s second line may either start with:
a. Life for me ain’t gonna be no __________, or
b. Life for me is gonna be a _____________.
4. Your poem needs to be a fully developed metaphor, with each line relating to the
metaphor that you choose to write about.
5. Your poem must be typed, and appropriately decorated. It must look like a final draft!
Extended Metaphor Poem Rubric:
Quality Criteria
Comments
Score
Poem is typed with no typos or
misspellings—obvious slang misspelling
is OK. (5)
Poem is appropriately decorated—looks
like a final draft. (5)
Metaphor is clear and consistent
throughout the poem. (10)
*Follows Hughes’ format closely
*Has appropriate title
*Author’s (student’s) name underneath
*Typed
(10)
Total possible: 30
Standards Addressed in this Assignment: Writing 1.1; Establish a controlling impression or coherent
thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and
focus throughout the piece of writing.
Example poem #1:
Daughter to Father
By Ms. Mier
Well, father, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t gonna be no falling-down, faded sign.
With the words hazy and undistinguishable
And the color faded by the sun,
And the street directions obscure,
And placed where no cars drive by—
Alone.
Because all the time
My letters are gonna be read
And I’ll know where the road leads ahead.
And I’ll stand up straight and try to act tall.
Though the wind will try to blow me to the ground.
So daddy, don’t worry about me.
Don’t try to pick me up
When I can stand on my own
‘Cause you find it’s hard to stay away.
Don’t you worry—
For I’se gonna stand
All by myself
And life for me ain’t gonna be no faded sign.
Example Poem #2:
Daughter to Mother
By Mrs. Kolodney
Well, Ma, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t gonna be no ghost
town.
It won’t have dust in the streets,
Or rusty jail cells,
Or tumbleweeds.
Or cracked and shattered windows in the
storefrontsForgotten.
But all the time
Ise been walkin’ on
And replacing windows
And oilin’ the doors
And sometimes being afraid of the
ghosts
Hiding in the jail cells.
So don’t you worry about me.
I’se gonna rebuild, repaint,
Renew that town,
I’se not gonna turn my back
Nor set me down in the street.
I’se gonna fight those villains
And jump over those tumbleweeds.
Life for me ain’t gonna be no ghost
town.
Standards Addressed in this Assignment: Writing 1.1; Establish a controlling impression or coherent
thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and
focus throughout the piece of writing.