Poetry is a type of writing that uses rhythm, sound, and strong images to express ideas and feelings in a concentrated and often musical way. It includes many forms, like sonnets, haikus, and free verse.
From Middle French *poetrie*, from Latin *poētria* “poetry, poetic art,” from Greek *poiētēs* “maker, poet.” It shares the same ancient root as *poet* and *poem*, all built on the idea of making or creating.
People often treat poetry as the opposite of everyday speech, but the roots say the opposite: it’s just another way humans *make* things. Advertising slogans, song lyrics, and political speeches all secretly borrow poetry’s tools.
The literary category of poetry has been shaped by institutions—schools, publishers, academies—that historically favored male authors and perspectives. Women’s and marginalized genders’ poetry was often categorized as 'domestic' or 'minor,' affecting preservation, translation, and critical attention.
When discussing poetry traditions, explicitly acknowledge contributions from poets of different genders and avoid implying that canonical (often male) voices are the default standard.
Women and gender-diverse poets have been vital to movements such as feminist, queer, postcolonial, and spoken-word poetry, expanding both form and subject matter.
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