Choose a central metaphor that symbolizes your family. Decide whether to use a metaphor from nature, such as a thunderstorm, the yearly cycle or the stars in the sky. Adopt a more playful tone, if appropriate, with a playful metaphor, such as a zoo or a circus.
Assign individual metaphors within the larger metaphor to members of your family. Use metaphors that fit your family members' individual personalities. If your central metaphor is a zoo, for example, use the lion to represent a strong member of your family, a monkey to represent a fun or playful member and a cheetah to represent the top athlete.
Decide on a poetic form or structure for your metaphor poem. Choose a more traditional structure, such as a sonnet, if you want a more serious poem. Use more conventional poetic devices, such as an iambic pentameter and a predictable rhyme pattern. For a more spontaneous or free-flowing poem, use free verse with no discernible rhyme or meter.
Write the poem. Use a different stanza for each member of your family. Begin each stanza by making the metaphor explicit and listing the characteristics and behaviors that you want to focus on. Reread the poem once you are done and make changes to refine it.