What Is A Poem? Poem by Spock the Vegan

A poem is a tale that is set to rhyme,
Preferably, to some, it meters time.
But some people just write whatever in the world
they want without any rules whatsoever.

A poem can use alliteration, metaphor, simile or symbolism.
Some prefer irony, ambiguity, hyperbole or euphemism.
But some just write what they feel for the mood they're in,
and don't pay any attention to anything.

The Japanese Haiku with its lines of three,
Has very specific rules that must be followed to a tee.
But English words can have a longer sound than in Japanese,
so 5-7-5 is no longer considered the rule for haiku in English.

A quatrain with its lines of four
Has line one rhyme with line three
And lines two and four rhyme some more
Except when they don't, to set you free

The limerick with its lines of five,
Is designed to keep humor alive.
But I regret
What I forget
And so I don't have much drive.

Cinquain
Is another
Type with rules too hard to
Meet, but at least you don't have to
Rhyme it.

An English woman in her bonnet,
Would likely prefer the English sonnet.
But there are many forms with rules too complex
to describe here, So Google it.