I’ll be the first to confess that poetry can feel intimidating at first glance. Often short, cryptic, and packed with symbolism and figurative language, understanding it requires special attention. But knowing the fundamental elements helps readers connect with poetry on a deeper level. We become able to meet the writer where they intended. When we understand poetic structure, we feel through poems at the author’s pace. Deciphering figurative language translates each line into our own words. And understanding poetic genres? Well, that opens us to an entirely new perspective. (But more on that ahead…) Throughout the Poetic Basics series, we’ll dive into each of the three elements vital to understanding poetry: genre, structure, and figurative language. It’s time to see poetry through the eyes of poets. Hear their voices clearly. Celebrate the symbolism and metaphors. Allow yourself to be moved, expanded, and transformed by the work of poets in a way they always dreamed of. Let’s kick off this series with genre. What Is Poetic Genre? Genre refers to the purpose or type of a poem based on characteristics like subject, structure, style, or tone. Defining this can be our first clue when confused about what a poem is truly