poetry

Poetry is literature that is written in verse and emphasizes the rhythmic use of words to create imagery.�� Works of poetry are called poems. A person who writes poetry is called a poet.

Poetry is a major form of literature. The biggest difference that sets poetry apart from other forms of writing is that poetry uses verse, which is concerned with meter, rather than prose, which does not. Poetry also may not use complete sentences or punctuation marks. Instead, poetry places an importance on using words and syllables that give rhythm to a poem.

There are many different forms of poetry, such as haiku, elegies, and sonnets. While some types of poems have rules on how they should be written, poets often break the rules if the poem will be better for it. You can find more information about these and other forms of poetry in our article, “12 Essential Types of Poetry.”

The first records of the word poetry come from around 1350. It ultimately comes through the Medieval Latin ���ŧ�ٲ�, meaning “poet.”

Poetry itself is much, much older than the English word. The oldest example of any literature that still survives today is “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” an epic poem that is over 4,000 years old.

Poetry, particularly rhyming poetry, is especially popular in children’s literature. We even use the term nursery rhyme to refer specifically to simple, entertaining poems written especially for very young children. Rhymes are easier to remember than other forms of writing, which explains why they are so often used in children’s poetry.

Since 1996, April has been celebrated as National Poetry Month. During the month, many people celebrate the importance of poetry and many poetry-related organizations endorse activities that encourage the writing of poetry during April. If you have wondered why you might be writing a lot of poetry in school during April, this is likely the reason.

Here is an example of poetry written by an unknown poet:

“Itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the waterspout;
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out;
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain;
And the itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the spout again.”

—A�ԴDzԲ⳾�dzܲ�, Itsy Bitsy Spider

Poetry has always been a popular form of literature.

��������can poetry do? Lift the spirits��of a nation. ������ can a poet do? Shine a light in language that maps a path forward.

— Jen Benka (@jenbenka)

I am about to speak to one of the great poets in the world, her poetry has brought me through hard times and great times, Mari Evans.

— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou)

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• literature
• verse
• meter
• stanza
• rhyme
• imagery
• sonnet
• ballad
• haiku
• epic

True or False?

Poetry is written in verse instead of prose.