Question

The seen, the known
dissolve in iridescence, become
illusive flesh of light
that was not, was, forever is.

O light beheld as through refracting tears.
Here is the aura of that world
each of us has lost.
Here is the shadow of its joy.

–“Monet’s ‘Waterlilies,’”
Robert Hayden

Which phrase is an example of a simile?

“The seen, the known / dissolve in iridescence”
“O light beheld as through refracting tears.”
“Here is the aura of that world / each of us has lost.”
“Here is the shadow of its joy.”

Answer 1

“O light beheld as through refracting tears.”

This is a simile because it uses “as” to compare the way the light is beheld to seeing through refracting tears.