What is Poetry?

Poetry has always defied definition probably because in order to define it we must use poetic language.  Poetic language is not factual or precise. Definitions require factual and precise words.

Poetry is filled with music, metaphor and allusions  and often has layer upon layer of meaning.  No simple, straightforward definition ever seems to capture the essence of poetry.   

So poetry is a mystery: it is writing that seems impossible to define because definitions are the opposite of poetry.   

Poetry sweeps us up into its world using ordinary words and structures but then refuses to let us see how we got there.  

Still, people try to define the indefinable.  Consider some of these definitions below. 

 Which ones are factual?  

Which ones are poetic? 

Which ones do you like best?

Definitions of Poetry by Poets and Writers

• Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.-- Carl Sandburg
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• "Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth, by calling imagination to the help of reason." -- Johnson: John Milton (Lives of the Poets)

• A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom. -- Robert Frost
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• Poetry is all that is worth remembering in life. -- William Hazlitt

• Poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads. --
  Marianne Moore
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• Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go away. -- Carl Sandburg
  
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• Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. -- Carl Sandburg
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• Each memorable verse of a true poet has two or three times the written content.
  Alfred de Musset

Other Pages in this Resource

• Poetry Work Plan: How to Use This Site

• Poetry: Page One

• Some Types of Poetry

• Poetic Language

• Some Famous Poets

• Do-It-Yourself Poetry Center

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