However, the poem does use metaphors, which are direct comparisons without using "like" or "as." Here are some examples:
* "My teeth were a fence rail, broken and yellow." This metaphor compares the speaker's teeth to a broken fence rail, highlighting their poor condition.
* "My hair, a tangled mess, needed cutting." This metaphor compares the speaker's hair to a tangled mess, emphasizing its unkempt appearance.
* "The day was a furnace," This metaphor compares the day to a furnace, highlighting the intense heat.
Although the poem doesn't contain similes, the metaphors used effectively convey the speaker's feelings of insecurity and longing for a better appearance.