What is Poetry? A Definition of the Indefinable

From the moment humans first spoke a word—though of course the border is undefined—and probably even before that, we used rhyme, beat, and rhythmic sounds to convey emotions, share information, and create community. 

Today, poems serve the same vital function in our modern world. My daughter used to ask me what the first word was, and I would reply, “The first word came with the first man.” It is like the chicken/egg question. Communication is human, and when the first human came, there was a need for a word, and there it was. To be human is to communicate, and I think the first poem came with the first man as well. We rhyme because it is the essence of humans and how language flows.

The way we postulate that poetry and words are a mark of humanity, so today we can say that poetry nourishes creative thought, provides an outlet for expression, and can even drive social change. Our language is so flexible that it does all the above and more, poetry being one of the more.

Poetry as an Art Form

Poetry is an art that uses language to express and create emotions in the reader.

A poet uses language, such as rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, assonance, and imagery, to create verbal artwork. They use metaphor, simile, symbolism, and other figurative language to create vivid imagery. The creation of a poem requires practice and skill. Poets carefully choose each word, phrase, and line break to achieve a desired effect. This deliberate attention to detail transforms ordinary language into art.

This is not a new concept; perhaps poetry and music, at least rhythmic communication was the first protolanguage. Before written language, poetry was a way to convey group stories and protect group history. This tradition stretches back thousands of years, tracing its roots to oral storytelling in ancient civilizations. It is almost certain that the ancients used caves as sacred spaces and there flute like bone carving and painting point to cavemen using the caves for sacred ritual.

Communication, Connection and Social Change

Poetry serves as a bridge between the individual and the collective group. Through the shared experience of reading or listening to a poem, people connect within groups.

Throughout history, poets used their craft to inspire social change, challenge injustice, and give voice to important causes. Poetry can make abstract social issues personal and emotional. Songs and music are a small sidestep. The Royal Jester could roast the king.

Deepest Emotions

Poetry gives people a way to express themselves. That is the reason so many love reading and writing poetry.

Some people write poetry simply for the joy of creating beautiful language. The process of nailing just the right word can be deeply satisfying. To me, it is like meditation: you have the idea, and it takes thinking to draw it out. When you do, it is a moment of completion.

Sometimes thoughts that are deeper than what you can think of quickly are more effectively communicated through poetry than through regular conversation or prose. When you don’t have the exact words to express what you mean, natural language can bridge that gap.

Creative Skills

Writing poetry builds creative muscle. Poetry demands precision with language, encourages creative thinking, and teaches you to see ordinary things from fresh perspectives.

The literary devices you’ll master in poetry, metaphors, similes, alliteration, and others, build language skills. If you want to write prose, you will gain word skills just by dabbling in poetry.

Many great works of art, including poems, encourage reflection and offer insight into the world. Poetry can open new ways of thinking, challenge established norms, and provoke new ways of understanding.

Leave Your Mark

There’s a natural human desire to leave a legacy, to create something that endures beyond our own lives. Poetry offers a beautiful way to preserve a part of yourself for future generations.

Your words reflect who you are, offer glimpses into how you view the world, and create a record of your unique perspective and individuality. Even if your poems only reach a small audience, they represent your authentic voice.

Personal Fulfillment

Most importantly, writing poetry gives deep personal satisfaction. Creating something beautiful from nothing and finding the right words to capture that feeling or moment—to me, it is like “gestalt.” The shape of the whole is greater than the parts; there is something timeless and elemental in writing poetry.

Start Your Poetry Journey Today

You don’t need any special tools or even experience to begin writing poetry. Pick up a poetry book or not, special journal or not, the best thing to do is to just begin.

This is my favorite scene from a movie ever, and I think it is perfect for this page.

To quote from Whitman:

“O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?”

“Answer. That you are here — that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.”

That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?

— John Keating (Robin Williams), Dead Poets Society