A lesson in formal rhetoric, with assistance from Johnny Cash

"Papa, what is a metaphor?"

"A metaphor, my child, is where you draw a comparison between two apparently unlike objects without using the words 'like' or 'as.'"

[silence]

"Would you like some examples?"

[nods vigorously] "Yes, please, Papa."

"No problem..." [begins to sing in a rich Southern-accented bass voice...]

From the backdoor of your life you swept me out, dear
In the breadline of your dreams I lost my place
At the table of your love I got the brush-off
At the Indianapolis of your heart I lost the race

I’ve been washed down the sink of your conscience
In the theater of your love I lost my part
And now you say you’ve got me out of your conscience
I’ve been flushed from the bathroom of your heart

In the garbage disposal of your dreams I’ve been ground up, dear
On the river of your plans I’m up the creek
Up the elevator of your future I’ve been shafted
On the calendar of your events I’m last week

I’ve been washed down the sink of your conscience
In the theater of your love I lost my part
And now you say you’ve got me out of your conscience
I’ve been flushed from the bathroom of your heart