Mr. matthews' living room was filled with paintings, photographs, and knickknacks from the philippines. he had never been to the philippines and couldn't explain to visitors the reason why he was so fascinated with the place.

(you didn't attach a copy of the poem, but i'm answering as best as i can)

since a simile compares two unlike things using like or as, it kind of gives an item the ability to do something it can't.

example: "the player was like a tiger on the field"

in this sentence, the simile conveys the idea that the player was fast and strong, like a tiger.