Poetry Forms and Types
Poetry genius weekly newsletter
Hi all
I’d like to start our Newsletter today by examining the main types of poetry and poetry writing that we encounter, and start off by explaining the differences between them. This is something that many poets don’t fully understand.
The various types of poetry mentioned — Free Verse, Prose Poetry, Rhyming Poetry, Blank Verse, and Formal Poetry — each have distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another. Understanding these differences can provide a clearer insight into the wide spectrum of poetic forms.
Free Verse
Free Verse poetry is characterized by its lack of a consistent rhyme scheme, metrical pattern, or musical form. It is known for its openness to pattern and nonconformity, allowing poets to write without the constraints of traditional poetic forms. This type of poetry has been popular since the nineteenth century and is recognized for its flexibility, relying on poetic devices such as imagery, assonance, and repetition rather than fixed patterns
Prose Poetry
Prose Poetry is a hybrid form that combines elements of both prose and poetry. It is written in prose form but exhibits poetic qualities through the use of emotional effects and highly intense figurative language. Unlike traditional verse, prose poetry does not follow specific patterns of meter or rhyme but instead focuses on creating a poetic effect through prose
Rhyming Poetry
Rhyming Poetry is characterized by the presence of rhyme within the poem. It can be part of formal verse poetry, where the poem follows specific rules regarding stanza length, meter, or rhyme patterns. Rhyming poetry is often structured around a particular rhyming scheme, creating a musical quality and enhancing the memorability of the poem
Blank Verse
Blank Verse is a specific type of poetry that is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter. Each line consists of ten syllables with a stress on every second syllable, creating a rhythm that is similar to natural speech. Famous for its use by William Shakespeare and other notable poets, blank verse maintains a metrical pattern but does not employ rhyme, distinguishing it from other metrical verse forms
Formal Poetry
Formal Poetry, or metrical verse, adheres to specific “rules” regarding stanza length, meter, and rhyme patterns. It encompasses several traditional forms such as sonnets, villanelles, and sestinas, each with its own structured pattern. Formal poetry is known for its discipline in construction, requiring the poet to work within predetermined constraints to create rhythm and musicality
In summary, the main differences among these types of poetry lie in their use or avoidance of rhyme and meter, the flexibility of their structure, and the extent to which they adhere to traditional poetic forms.
Free Verse and Prose Poetry offer more freedom from these conventions, focusing on the expression of ideas and emotions without strict patterns.
Rhyming Poetry and Formal Poetry, on the other hand, embrace these patterns to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.
Blank Verse occupies a middle ground, adhering to a metrical pattern without the use of rhyme.
I’m often asked what is the best form to use, and in my opinion, this depends on what standard you have reached in your journey to poetic greatness!
A) New Poet with Little Knowledge or Experience
Main Goals: Self-expression, Skill development
Recommended Poetry Type: Free Verse and Acrostic
- Free Verse allows for self-expression without the constraints of traditional forms, making it accessible for beginners who are still learning the craft
- It encourages exploration of language and emotions without worrying about rhyme or meter.
- Acrostic poems can be a fun and simple entry point into poetry, where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message. It’s a structured yet straightforward form that can help new poets focus their thoughts and start experimenting with poetic concepts
B) Intermediate Poet, Who Has Some Experience but Wants to Improve
Main Goals: Skill development, Experimentation
Recommended Poetry Type: Sonnets and Blank Verse
- Sonnets offer a structured form that can challenge poets to refine their skills within a specific framework (e.g., Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnets). This form encourages discipline in meter and rhyme, aiding in the development of technical skills
- Blank Verse is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, providing a balance between structure and freedom. It’s ideal for poets looking to improve their rhythmic precision and control over language without the added complexity of rhyme schemes
C) Experienced Poet Who Knows His Craft but Would Like to Be a Published or Professional Poet
Main Goals: Publication or recognition, Experimentation
Recommended Poetry Type: Villanelle and Experimental Poetry
- Villanelle is a highly structured form with repeating lines and a strict rhyme scheme, presenting a challenge even for experienced poets. Mastering this form can demonstrate a high level of skill and creativity, appealing to publishers and literary critics
- Experimental Poetry pushes the boundaries of traditional poetic forms and conventions. For poets aiming for publication or recognition, creating innovative and original work can set them apart in the literary world. Experimenting with different styles, can lead to unique creations that capture the attention of readers and publishers alike.
For each poet, the chosen forms align with their goals and provide a pathway for growth, expression, and potentially achieving recognition in the field of poetry.
I have written in all types of poetry and in all genres, and I would advise that you choose the style that you feel comfortable with.
I do though have a favourite personal form, that I find suits my style while giving me free range to experiment at will.
Here is one of my boosted poems from Medium.com — can you identify what type it is?
Hint — it is either Prose poetry, Blank Verse or Free Verse — but which? Here it is:
The Revelations of Ravens
Tom Kane Published in The Howling Owl
Photo by Mark Timberlake on Unsplash
Perched on power lines,
the ravens hold court,
their raspy council caws of conspiracies,
echoes in the ether.
With shrewd ebony eyes
they trace the ley lines
crossing this toxic land.
The landscape hums with portent,
frequencies unseen,
that will only emerge
when the veil lifts.
In the lingering gloaming
the ravens riddle in rhapsodies,
testing theories of the coming.
Shards of darkness will assemble
into fractal fragments, and
inside these dark kaleidoscopes, truths lie.
But for now,
the ravens rule roosts of revelation.
They divine the deep codes
in dawn’s rosy digits,
detect the secrets in the star-stitched night.
Mystery yet blooms as they brood.
When the moment manifests,
the ravens will reveal rhythms
and riddles beyond our ken.
Until then they wait, watching,
whispering wisdom in tongues alien,
their discourse drifting on damask breezes.
Awakening begins soon.
The ravens know.
In next week’s newsletter I will highlight the difficulties you can meet when writing each of these types, and will give some tips and hints to help you write in each form.
Till then, thank you for your support
Tom
