It is difficult to have a single definition of poetry that fits all its varying structures, styles, and subject material. A typical dictionary might define poetry as literary composition written in verse with meaning. This simple definition only characterizes poetry on the surface, but there is so much more to poetry than just words. One can never define poetry, however one can make an attempt to describe its properties, function, and characteristics as clearly as …showed first 75 words of 971 total…

…showed last 75 words of 971 total…extraordinary energy of daily life. Because of this aspect alone, poetry cannot be limited by definitions. It cannot be communicated or fathomed other than by the use of poetry itself. Gregory D. Corbitt Works Cited Meyer, Michael, ed. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin?s, 1999 Bishop, Elizabeth. ?The Fish.? Meyer 682-684. Jarrell, Randall. ?The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner.? Meyer 720. Rilke, Rainer Maria. ?The Panther.? Meyer 767.