Definition of Poetry

Though Merriam-Webster defines poetry as metrical writing, this isn't necessarily true. Poetry, like many other art forms, is very open-ended. However, a poem's structure is never random; the format is always thoroughly deliberated in order to arouse certain emotions. There are many other things that help separate poetry from other works of literature. While a novel has several themes and layers to convey a story, a poem often holds a central theme throughout. A poem's syntax and diction is also always intentional and specific. Another thing that defines a poem is that it either has some resolution, or it leaves the conclusion with loose-ends. This allows ambiguity for individual interpretations by the audience. However, even if there isn't a resolution to the poem and there are several different interpretations, this doesn't mean that the poet is indifferent towards the subject; in fact, the poet always has to have a stance on the subject being discussed. Otherwise, if the poet is indifferent towards the subject, then it is simply not a poem because it lacks an emotional source.