Methaphor/Extended Metaphor

Definition: a comparison of objects or actions that is not literally applicable, often because it is an exaggeration. An extended metaphor is more than one metaphor in a stanza.

Example: Light blossomed from the Sun, as sky met sea, and the world exploded with colors. 

Significance: Metaphors and extended metaphors are used in poetry to connect with the reader on a more personal level. This makes the poem more interesting and adds more style to the writing. The human brain makes sense of metaphors automatically, so poets use this literary device to help the reader understand.