There are many different poetry styles. Whether it be a simple ballad, or a Shakespearean sonnet, or the many forms of free-style, poetry is a well loved form of art. It records our truest emotions, and while it can be a bit embarrassing for people to read, it’s just as relevant. And while we picture a poet to be some hermit sitting on top of a mountain, judging and recording humanity’s very essence, everyone writes it. It’s gotten to the point where we dedicate different Poet Laureates in the States. Poets are even knighted in the UK.

So what exactly are the different poetic styles in the world? Because after all, while poetry is art, we have to organize it in a way that makes sense. Below are a few basic styles that poets have used throughout the ages.

Free verse
Free verse poetry doesn’t follow any guidelines, nor does it adhere to a specific metrical structure or rhyme. Rather, free verse follows our natural way of speaking. Many modern poets are classified as free verse poets, and can even be more popular than traditional poetry. Some examples include T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.

Haiku
Haiku is a type of traditional Japanese poetry that follows syllables, rather than rhyme or meter. It consists of three lines. The first line uses 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables, the third 5 syllables again. Often, haikus have been used to describe nature, as well as deep emotions. Many journals have been dedicated to haikus, such as The Haiku Journal.

Limerick
A limerick is a nonsensical form of poetry that is often read in parties or other gatherings. It’s a sort of playful poem that follows a rhyming scheme, AABBA. It’s supposed to evoke laughter and amusement, rather than sorrow or other deep emotions.

Concrete
Concrete poetry is a type of visual poetry that allows you to shape your words into the form of what you want. For instance, if you’re going to write a poem about nature, you may want to shape your words into the form of a tree or a flower.

Elegy
Elegies are often used to mourn for something. They help people move on from their lost ones, or convey sadness at the loss of a person. There are three essential elements when writing an elegy: lament for the loss, admiration for the dead, and at last, acceptance that something is gone.

Epic
Epic poetry is a long narrative poem that details subjects like heroic actions and the major events of a country. It can be a form of nationalism. The ancient Greeks were often famous for this, producing works such as The Odyssey and The Iliad.

Of course, there are many other forms of poetry. After all, words cannot simply be held down by human convention; if not for our imaginations, none of these forms would even exist. Even so, be sure that you practice these poetry forms so that you find the form that you’re comfortable with.