What is Poetry?

Poetry is literature in meter form. It is a form of written word that has pattern and rhythm and rhyme. It can be serious or it can be fun. Poetry is as creative as you make it

Basic poetry is in verse form, called a stanza, made up of meters created by feet. The amount of lines there are in a stanza decides what type of poem is written. There can be more than one stanza to a poem and then for effect throw in a chorus and a refrain.

The stanzas can have rhythm and rhyme or just be a blank verse!

Take a look at our glossary and you will find an explanation for all sections of poetry.

Why don't you try writing a poem and enter it into one of our poetry competitions.

For information on poetry types other than shape poems visit our poetry glossary – poetry terms.