Imagery-

The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas in order to create a set of mental pictures or images.

Imagery allows a writer to show a writer what she means instead of just telling someone.  When you write your poems, remember:  Show!  Don't Tell!

Some examples of figurative language are:

        Similes

        Metaphors

        Personification

Vivid language is language that is very clear and bright, and it helps create lifelike images in a reader’s mind.

        Example:

        Without imagery- In the winter, I want to go to a warmer place.

With imagery- When the cold, brisk air of December is nipping at my nose, I dream of a place where I can taste the salty air as I dig my shoeless feet into the damp sand.  I want to watch the waves dance along the shore and listen to the off-key chorus of the gulls as they circle overhead.