Cruel Planet When did we arrive on this alien planet? How did we get here? metaphor The atmosphere on my planet was just right. I could breathe. (metaphor continued) Now if breathing is life, as they say, then I am dying. metaphor Poverty like darkness isn’t a thing; it is the lack of a thing. simile Darkness is like our poverty. It is lack. Lack of light. Lack of food. Lack of air. imagery; repetition On our old planet, my dad smiled. Does he still? Can you see him through the dust? imagery Jennifer Cole