Which Form of Writing is More Difficult, Poetry or Prose?

Poet, poetaster or prose writer? Is poetry more difficult to write than prose?[

In response to this debate question, I will suggest that it is poetry.

Which form of writing is more difficult to write, poetry or prose? For most people, writing poetry is more difficult than writing prose. The exception to that may be someone gifted as a poet. But, there is the good poet and the not so good poet (poetaster). There is also the good prose writer and the not so good prose writer.

At times, for many people, writing in any form can be difficult. The degree of difficulty in writing, can determine whether the poetry is good poetry or not. The same is true with respect to prose. There is prose that is good prose and that which is not good prose.

For someone who is well educated or a gifted writer, it may be possible to write in either form without difficulty. On the other hand, for someone who always has difficulty in writing anything, it may be hard to write or to write well, in either form.

Which is the more difficult of the two forms of writing?

One might first ask what is the difference between the two different forms of writing? What determines the degree of difficulty? How does one respond to the question or can it only be responded to on a personal or individual plane?

Perhaps by first defining the nature of poetry and prose, it will be possible to discern which is actually the more difficult of the two forms. 

Poetry: By definition what is poetry or what are some of the characteristics of poetry?

Reveals a metrical kind of writing
Takes on some kind of a verse format
Has a concentrated and imaginative focus
May reveal experiential or even playful awareness
Uses descriptive or creative language
Evokes a specific emotional response 
Uses sound and rhythm to enhance the meaning
Often holds some degree of beauty with respect to expression
Idealized, at times

Prose: By definition what it prose or what are some of the characteristics of prose?

Employs different kinds of language
Appears to use the language that is spoken or written daily
Represents a more common literary medium of expression
Offers far greater room for expansion and development
Reveals increased irregularity of format
Allows a greater variety of rhythm and pattern
Has fewer restrictions
Allows increased freedom

In conclusion, I will suggest that for the majority of people, it would appear that it is easier to write in prose, because it is what they are accustomed to speaking or writing from day to day. Ask them to write poetry and at best, it may become poetry written on a poetaster level of writing. That is not always the case. Sometimes those who do write well in prose, can write well in poetry, particularly if has an almost prosaic format.

The writing of poetry or good poetry, is the more difficult of the two forms of writing. Again, there is always the personal preference element that must be considered. There is insight and inspiration that are an important part of what one writes, whether using the form or poetry or prose. This enters into both forms of writing, at least in part. It is much less difficult to write if one has insight or inspiration. Even then, poetry is more difficult to write, particularly good poetry.