A poem is a piece of writing that often uses rhythm, sound, and carefully chosen words to express feelings, ideas, or stories in a concentrated way. It may use lines, verses, and patterns instead of regular sentences and paragraphs.
From Middle French *poème*, from Latin *poēma*, from Greek *poiēma* meaning “a thing made,” from *poiein* “to make.” A poem was originally simply “something crafted,” not necessarily about emotions.
The root of *poem* just means “a made thing,” suggesting that poetry is more like building than daydreaming. That’s why great poems can feel small but heavy: a lot of structure is hidden inside a few lines.
Poetry as a literary form has long been shaped by gendered access to education and publication, with male poets historically more likely to be canonized and taught. Women and gender-diverse poets were often marginalized or published under pseudonyms, leading to an incomplete record of poetic traditions.
When citing or teaching poems, aim to include poets of different genders and avoid presenting male-authored work as the 'universal' voice. Describe speakers in poems without assuming their gender unless it is explicit.
Women poets across cultures have been central to literary innovation, from lyric and confessional poetry to experimental forms, despite frequent exclusion from official canons.
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