Richard Blanco, the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, joined Boston Public Radio Monday for another edition of "Village Voice."
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.
Blanco's new book, "How To Love A Country," deals with various socio-political issues that shadow America. It is available now.
