Is Free Verse Really Poetry?

Verse libre: On free verse

Is free verse really poetry? In response to this question, there is also the question of whether or not free verse can be boxed into some kind of a category. From the beginning of time, there have been those who have written free verse, but invariably, human beings attempt to find some kind of category or box, that it will fit into. Of course, it is easier to comprehend something, if you can put a label on it. The question becomes one of whether or not free verse can be boxed into some kind of a category.

The French word vers libre signifying free verse, was first used in the nineteenth century to categorize this kind of poetry, as being distinct from what was called an alexandrine line in poetry. (1)

An alexandrine is a line of poetic meter that consists of twelve syllables divided into two equal parts between the sixth and seventh syllable. (2)

Vers libre is an expression used to depict any kind of rhymed or unrhymed verse that is essentially free of restrictions, with respect to metrical structure and rhyme. (3)

Poetry that does not rhyme or have a specific metrical structure is still real poetry and can be referred to as free verse.

In free verse, there is cadence that often replaces the metrical aspect of the poetry. This is not structured and appears to be irregular. This has to do with the use of more common language and music. The use of diction and syntax are still present in free verse. The use of its unique expression enhances the style of writing. (4)

When one reads free verse, it appears to have distinct patterns of its own and will be comprehended by the reader as a whole. (5)

From an analytic perspective, there are three, distinct, kinds of free verse that have been identified, namely free iambic verse, cadenced verse and free verse proper. (6)

Again, one must caution against stating that these are the only kinds of free verse, because free verse is essentially free and thus, beyond any categorization, at least to some degree.

If one goes back to the earliest writings in history, invariably what one will find is the reality that there is a lot of poetry that could be referred to as free verse or free poetry. Some of it rhymes; some of it does not. Some has metrical structure; some does not. Some has a degree of musicality to it; some does not. Some has rhythm; some does not.

With respect to ancient writings and other languages, there is always the question of what is actually lost or gained in translation.

Poets pen that which is given to them. No poet ever has to defend his or her free verse or free poetry, although he or she may feel a need to do so. What is more important is the love of writing poetry.

Freedom in verse and freedom in poetry are liberties that we enjoy as poets and readers of poetry. It is personal preference that decides to some extent what is poetry and what is not poetry or what is considered to be good poetry and what is not.

Free verse is really poetry.

(1) http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry?id=17826

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrine

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_verse

(4) Ibid.

(5) Ibid.

(6) Ibid.