Metaphor
A METAPHOR is something that represents or stands for something else, especially something abstract. It is a relationship of resemblance or equivalence between two situations, such as people or objects.
The use of a metaphorical word or phrase to refer to something that it isn’t, invokes a direct similarity between the word or phrase used and the thing that describes.
Therefore, A CAIRN OF MICROPOETRY is a metaphor that evokes a clear image for those familiar with both cairns and micropoetry:
A CAIRN is a human-made pile of stones built for various purposes such as landmarks, memorials, or burial sites. It’s built up stone by stone. Each stone is chosen and placed intentionally in a certain way. Cairns often mark something important to serve as a guide. While simple in concept, the arrangement creates a distinct and often rugged form.
Cairns are composed of of very short, impactful poems. Like stones in a cairn, each micropoem is distinct yet contributes to a larger whole.
Cairns are numerous tiny, carefully crafted poems that are brought together to create a significant and meaningful artistic structure.
MICROPOETRY refers to extremely concise forms of poetry, typically characterized by very few words, often just a line or a few short lines where every word is carefully chosen for maximum impact which often leaves much unsaid, inviting the reader to fill in the gaps. It focuses on a single image, idea, or emotion.
A Cairn Of Haiku
A Cairn Of Senryu
A Cairn Of Cinquain
A Cairn Of Gogysohi
A Cairn Of Free Verse
a pile of small poems ~ haiku • senryu • gogyoshi • cinquain • and free verse
