I have been a poet – a compiler of words into a format describing how I am feeling, thinking or being at a particular moment – since 1986 when I first met Geoff Goodfellow during a High School English class! I was hooked in an instant and my wordsmith skills flowed abundantly. And they still do….
I have been a poet, unaware of the signs,
– Me, whilst writing this article!
A conduit for emotions, thoughts, and designs,
Now armed with knowledge, a poet anew,
I’ll wield these forms, crafting verses true.
I have never thought about the type of poem I create, yet today – during yet another day off work with ‘Covid symptoms’ that are finally diminishing – I felt the need to do some research.
After much reading, I have compiled a succinct list of 12 different types of poems – and provided a precise description of each. It was quite enlightening to discover that I have written many of these types throughout the last 35 years of writing!
12 Different Types of Poems
1. Sonnet
A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. It typically explores themes of love, beauty, and the complexities of human emotions. Sonnets often follow either the Shakespearean or Petrarchan form, each with its own distinct structure.
2. Villanelle
A villanelle is a highly structured poem consisting of 19 lines with a specific rhyme scheme. It is characterized by the repetition of certain lines throughout the poem. Villanelles often delve into deep emotions, exploring themes of loss, obsession, or profound experiences.
3. Haiku
Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry with three lines and a total of 17 syllables. It captures a fleeting moment in nature, usually focusing on the seasons, and conveys a sense of simplicity and appreciation for the natural world.
4. Ekphrastic
Ekphrastic poetry is inspired by works of art, whether it be a painting, sculpture, or photograph. It aims to vividly describe and interpret the visual artwork, using words to evoke emotions, thoughts, and deeper meanings associated with the piece.
5. Concrete
Concrete poetry, also known as shape poetry, incorporates visual elements to enhance the meaning and impact of the poem. The arrangement of words on the page creates a shape or image that complements the content of the poem, merging the visual and textual aspects.
6. Elegy
An elegy is a mournful and reflective poem that expresses grief and sorrow over the loss of someone or something. It often explores themes of mortality, remembrance, and the passage of time, paying tribute to the subject of the elegy.
7. Epigram
An epigram is a concise and witty poem that often contains a surprising or paradoxical statement. It aims to convey a clever or satirical message in a brief and memorable way, using wordplay or irony to create an impact.
8. Limerick
A limerick is a light-hearted and humorous poem consisting of five lines. It follows a specific rhyme scheme and often features a witty or nonsensical subject matter. Limericks are known for their catchy rhythm and often convey a playful tone.
9. Ballad
A ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story, often in a musical or lyrical format. It typically focuses on themes of love, tragedy, or folklore and is characterized by its simple language, repetition, and a regular rhyme scheme.
10. Epitaph
An epitaph is a short poem or inscription written on a tombstone or memorial to honor the deceased. It often reflects on the person’s life, accomplishments, or conveys a message of remembrance. Epitaphs can range from heartfelt and solemn to humorous and whimsical.
11. Ode
An ode is a lyrical poem that celebrates or praises a person, object, or abstract concept. It expresses intense emotions and often has a formal structure with stanzas and a consistent rhyme scheme. Odes convey a sense of admiration, awe, or reverence for the subject.
12. Free Verse
Free verse is a form of poetry that does not follow a strict structure or rhyme scheme. It allows the poet to have more freedom in expressing their thoughts and emotions, relying on rhythm, imagery, and other literary devices to create meaning. Free verse often captures the natural flow of spoken language and can cover a wide range of subjects and styles.
It’s always a revelation, a cascade of light,
To see my own words in a different sight,
For all these years, unwittingly I’ve tread,
Through diverse forms, my poetry spread.Unfettered by form, I let them flow,
– Me again! I put fingers to keyboard and it flows out of me.
Into a tapestry, where meanings grow,
Without constraint, I let my pen dance,
To portray my essence in poetic expanse.
I still enjoy finding the right words within me that reveal my other side.
One day soon I hope to publish all the poems I wrote between 1986 and 1998 ! I recall one of my shorter poems was included in either the annual Friendly Street Poet books or maybe a collaboration book within the FSP, but I never managed to secure a copy for myself.
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