Final answer:
The metaphor about tears and a plaid handkerchief implies a situation of sorrow or loss and indicates a strong personal connection between the man and the subject of the metaphor. It highlights the deep emotional impact and the physical expression of grief through tears.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metaphor "You were the tears of a man who cried into a plaid handkerchief" suggests a strong emotional connection and possibly a sense of sorrow or loss related to the person the speaker talks about. This image could imply the subject of the metaphor is someone for whom the man felt strong emotions, perhaps a loved one or something dearly missed. The tears represent the man's visible grief, and the plaid handkerchief may symbolize a personal connection or a comfort in times of emotional distress.
The metaphor creates an intimate portrait of sorrow, conveying that the man's emotions are overwhelming enough to require a physical expression. It stands as a testament to the deep impact the subject of the metaphor has had on the man, indicating that the man's emotional state is a direct response to something involving the subject mentioned in the metaphor.