Lyric Poetry: Locate It In Your English Literature Text Book

By Jimmy Bates

Poetry has, without a doubt, helped to shape arts and entertainment in the present day. The New Standard Encyclopedia, copyright 1982, defines poetry as simply "a form of literature." But, break out your encyclopedia and read past the definition and you will find poetry to be much more complicated that that. In this article, we will discuss the top three divisions of poetry, which have been recognized since the Renaissance period. These three divisions are also defined in The New Standard Encyclopedia, copyright, 1982.

The first is defined as Narrative Poetry. This type of poetry explains a story through exposition. You may have seen a similar story played out as in the famous poem "Birches" by Robert Frost. Ballads and Epics are great examples of Narrative Poetry.

The second major division is Dramatic Poetry. Dramatic Poetry is a little different in that the characters themselves reveal the story through their own speech. A drama or play where the actors use verse to get their point across is viewed as dramatic poetry.

Lastly, the third major division of poetry is Lyric Poetry. Lyric Poetry is usually short, unified and gets down to the actual personal feelings of the poet. A few examples of Lyric Poetry are the ode, the sonnet, a song, or madrigal.

Broadly, the first three major divisions of poetry cover just about everything. However, a few minor divisions have emerged and should not be ignored. Satirical Poetry is often times humorous and may cover some ridiculous notion. Didactic poetry is written to teach something or define a moral lesson to the reader. Lastly, Pastoral Literature carves out the activities of rural life.

English Literature will go down in history, as far as my own story, as one of my most challenging courses. It was a challenge to come up with a stellar grade. However, I learned lyrics and lessons that frequently visit my mind as I trudge through my own life. How could I ever forget Walt Whitman who said "And your flesh shall be a great poem." Every day his truth carries on in my own life.

Given the chance, reading poetry has the power to move your soul. I encourage you to read some of the greats and they will pour out their hearts. Do a little research and it will make more sense.

The next time you feel vegetative while watching TV, pull out your favorite collection of poems or literary work. You will go from a state of vegetation to one of creativity. Apply it to your own life and you will remember those lines of poetry as a staple reference to life itself.

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