What Is Poetry?
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Is Poetry?

Poetry is so much more than a textbook definition.

95
What Is Poetry?
Pixabay

Okay so obviously we have the internet and so we can just use a search engine to define poetry and what it means to describe something as “poetic”. When you do just that, the general definition of “poetic” given by most dictionaries is along the lines of “having or expressing the qualities of poetry”. Poetry is defined as “writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm”.

Unsatisfied with these definitions, I decided to look at how some famous or well-known poets describe poetry. Truthfully, the way many of the poets I researched defined or explained what poetry is up to one’s interpretation. Poetry typically is up to one’s interpretation and tends to be very abstract.

Robert Frost claims that poetry is “when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words,” while Emily Dickinson said “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.” Edgar Allan Poe is a bit more realistic when he declared that he “would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of beauty.”

Although I consider myself a poet, since I produce what I would call poems, I cannot honestly say I understand what Frost, Dickinson, and Poe meant by their definitions or explanations. To me, that is the beauty of poetry. The definition of poetry varies because what determines something as poetry varies. Sure, we can say being poetry is a piece of writing that is romantic, rhythmic, metaphorical, or whatever other adjectives you can think of. That being said, there is no clear, set, or obvious definition.

Poetry itself comes in many forms. There are short poems and long poems. There are happy poems and sad poems. There are complex poems and simple poems. I can read, write, or speak poetry. Regardless of a rhyme scheme, a use of punctuation, or any other elements that appear in some poems, poetry is whatever the poet chooses to mold words into.

We are all poets though, really. We are all capable of crafting letters into words, words into lines, lines into stanzas, and stanzas into poems. Maybe some forms of poetry written by certain poets relate in different ways to different emotions or themes, but anyone can do it. Frost, Dickinson, Poe, and any other poets or writers we are familiar with convey a sense of “poeticness” through their use of poetic devices like alliteration, figurative speech, or iambic pentameter.

Yes, there are different definitions, explanations, perceptions, and interpretations, but that is not only the beauty, but the importance of poetry. Poetry is more than the usage of aesthetic-filled forms of communication. Poetry is everything. Poetry is the way the sun illuminates the sky. Poetry is every step your sneakers take when they make contact with the pavement. Poetry is a language of its own, best expressed and understood by minds willing to listen to it, absorb it, and experience it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71476
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133490
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments