Probably means they lost. I need to read the story to know
<u><em>Answer</em></u>: "They saw the old cities,...lying children's delicate bones among the blowing lakes of grass."
<u><em>Explanation</em></u>: A metaphor doesn't use words such as "like" or "as". A metaphor states how it is. So take away any words that would compare the two things, get rid of "like" or "as".
I hope this helps. :)
You should revise a prediction when you learn more about the characters and the plot