Poetry

Etymology of poetry

Poetry is from the Greek word poiein, which means “to make”: a poem is something made, or in English
we would more naturally say crafted.

So then, what’s poetry? It’s a type of literature that conveys a thought, describes a scene or tells a story
in a concentrated, lyrical arrangement of words. Please take note: lyrical arrangement of words. In
other words, it’s a type of literature aims to evoke an emotional response in the reader through
language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound and rhythm.

We can also say it’s a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative
qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning.

Everything we write has a specific structure. A text message is short and filled with slang, an email is
formatted like a letter, and an essay is in formal paragraphs. These various structures contribute to the
overall meaning or message of the writing. And just like poetry being a part of literature,it definitely has
its structure that every writer who wishes to become a writer of poems or a poet(male) or
poetess(female) needs to study, understand and be able to practise. Candidly, two types of literature
that have specific structures are poetry and drama. Don’t forget that the framework of a poem's
structure affects how it is meant to be read.

What then is the structure of poetry?

The structure of a poem refers to the way in which the text is set out to the reader. It refers to how it was
crafted. A poem with strong structure allows the reader to move easily from beginning to end, helping to
create a particular response within the reader.

The notable elements (structure) of poetry are:

 Metre or meter.
 Form or stanza.
 Figurative language.
 Rhyme.
 Rhythm.
 Theme.
 Tone.
 Mood.
 Syntax.
 Diction.
 Point of view.
 And many more.

However, note that, poetry can be structured, with rhyming lines, meter, rhythm and emphasis of a line
based on syllabic beats. It can also be in a free form, which follows no formal structure and it doesn’t
mean it wouldn’t have any element at all. Being in a free form mostly mean the absence of any
particular form, meter, or rhyme scheme, yet still conveys powerful feelings and ideas.
Anyway, let’s discuss each element one after the other. If you are a beginner, please pay rapt attention
to this. Our first element is the meter(American spelling) or metre(British spelling). Have you ever been
able to identify the metre of a poem? Do you just compose a poem that you wouldn’t even be able to
identify the elements such as the metre you used? Of course, most people write but can’t give analysis of
their own write-ups. If so, then it’s not the best. Read this significant information about metre below.
Firstly, what’s metre in poetry?