~ The Poet's Place Cafe~

Okay. That is a trick question. Scholars have been debating that concept for centuries without arriving at a consensus, so there is no definitive right or wrong answer.

Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “an arrangement of words in verse; especially in rhythmical composition, sometimes rhymed, expressing facts, ideas, or emotions in a style more concentrated, imaginative and powerful than that of ordinary speech; some poems are in meter, some in free verse.”

If I may paraphrase the others, poetry is the projection of emotion and experience to the reader through theme, imagery, rhythm, and form in finely compressed language. The poet uses distinct imagery, both literal and figurative, supplemented by the rhythmic arrangement of words and phrases in a specifically designed form to convey feelings and ideas to the reader. Like a snapshot photograph, a poem captures a moment of experience in words that can be shared with others through eternity

I would like to get some idea about the scope of training we need to bring everyone up to speed, so please tell us what you think poetry is.

Let the creativity flow from your soul!
Dave