12 Types of Poems
By : Vinni Nasrul
1. Sonnet
Sonnets are practically synonymous with Shakespeare, but there are actually two different kinds of this famous poetic form. Having originated in 13th century Italy, the sonnet usually deals with love and has two common forms: the Petrarchan (named for its famous practitioner, the poet Petrarch) and the Shakespearean (also known as the English sonnet). Each type contains 14 lines but comes with its own set of rules.
Petrarchan Sonnet
Characteristics and Rules:
· 2 stanzas
· Presents an argument, observation, or question in the first 8 lines
· Turn (or “volta”) between 8th and 9th lines
· Second stanza answers the question or issue posed in the first
· Rhyme Scheme: ABBA, ABBA, CDECDE
Shakespearean Sonnet
· 3 quatrains (4 lines each) and a couplet (2 lines)
· Couplet usually forms a conclusion
· Rhyme scheme: ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GG
2. Villanelle
Villanelles have even more specific rules than sonnets. Luckily, many of the lines are repetitions, but this means you’ll have to take care to make those lines meaningful.
Villanelle Characteristics and Rules
· 19 lines
· 5 stanzas of 3 lines each
· 1 closing stanza of 4 lines
· Rhyme scheme: ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABA, ABAA
· Line 1 repeats in lines 6, 12, and 18
· Line 3 repeats in lines 9, 15, and 19
2. Haiku
The haiku originated in 17th century Japan. Although they usually refer to nature, the only real rule applies to the number of syllables in each line, so you can let your imagination run wild with this one.
Haiku Characteristics and Rules
· 3 lines
· Line 1 contains 5 syllables
· Line 2 contains 7 syllables
· Line 3 contains 5 syllables
4. Ekphrastic Poems
Ekphrastic poems don’t really have specific rules, but they do speak of another work of art. Ekphrasis comes from the Greek word for “description,” and that’s exactly what this poem should do: vividly describe a painting, statue, photograph, or story. One famous example is found in the Iliad, where Homer refers to Achilles’ shield.
5. Concrete Poems
Concrete poetry is designed to take a particular shape or form on the page. Poets can manipulate spacing or layout to emphasize a theme or important element in the text, or sometimes they can take the literal shape of their subjects.
6. Elegy
The elegy is another type of poem that lacks particular rules, but it usually is written in mourning following a death. They can be written for a particular person, or treat the subject of loss more generally.
7. Epigram
Epigrams are short, witty, and often satirical poems that usually take the form of a couplet or quatrain (2-4 lines in length).
8. Limerick
Limericks are humorous poems that have a more distinct rhythm. Their subject matter is sometimes crude, but always designed to offer laughs.
Limerick Characteristics and Rules
• 5 lines
• 2 longer lines (usually 7-10 syllables)
• 2 shorter lines (usually 5-7 syllables)
• 1 closing line to bring the joke home (7-10 syllables)
• Rhyme scheme: AABBA
9. Ballad
Ballads usually take a narrative form to tell us stories. They are often arranged in quatrains, but the form is loose enough that writers can easily modify it.
Ballad Characteristics and Rules
• Typically arranged in groups of 4 lines
• Rhyme scheme: ABAB or ABCB
10. Epitaph
An epitaph is much like an elegy, only shorter. Epitaphs commonly appear on gravestones, but they can also be humorous. There are no specific rules for epitaphs or their rhyme schemes.
11. Ode
Odes address a specific person, thing, or event. The ode is believed to have been invented by the ancient Greeks, who would sing their odes. Modern odes follow an irregular pattern and are not required to rhyme.
12. Free Verse
Free verse is exactly what its name implies. There are no rules, and writers can do whatever they choose: to rhyme or not, to establish any rhythm. Free verse is often used in contemporary poetry.
