What is Poetry?

Did you know there are different types of poetry? When people say the words poetry, different ideas come to mind. Poetry is a lot like music. When you think about music, you realize there are a lot of different kinds like pop, rock, hip hop, jazz, and R & B. As a writer or arranger of music, you must understand the difference because each requires a different set up to have the right tone or feel when the product is finished. Poetry is the same way. Each type of poetry has its own feel and rules that must be followed to fit within its form. Let’s have fun and explore the different forms, elements and genres of poetry that exist.

The Poet and Poetry

Throughout history, the poet has played a major role in explaining and shining a light onto different aspects of life and society through good and bad times. These writings are refered to as poetry. Because of its nature, poetry, can be complexed. But, once you understand poetry, it can be very fun and engaging.

The Definition of Poetry

Different definitions come to mind when people are asked what poetry is. I believe I have found a good definition. According to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, poetry is...

      "Writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a special emotional response through its meaning, sound, and rhythm. It may be distinguishing from prose by its compression, frequent use of conventions of metre and rhyme, use of line as a formal unit, heighten vocabulary, and freedom of syntax. Its emotional content is expressed though a variety of techniques, from direct description to symbolism, including the use of metaphor and simile. "

Now let’s have fun and explore the different forms, genres and elements of poetry...

Click here to learn about the elements of poetry.