100+ Poetry Forms from Around the World
Poetry comes in many forms, which is why it is so beautiful and challenging at the same time. It’s probably safe to say most poets know the most common forms–like haiku, acrostic, sonnet, and limerick–if from nowhere but school. If you like to challenge yourself, however, you’ve probably encountered about 100 or so forms with quick google searches. And while that is quite a bit, there are so many poetry forms from around the world that are missed.
So, I did some digging and found five sites with poetry forms from around the world for your enjoyment. Now, I would go through with these and make my own list of poetry forms for you guys, but to do so would be time-consuming, less effective (as I may not have an example for everyone one of them like some of these websites do), and just plain redundant. So, I’ll just leave these here for you to peruse as you see fit.
Robert Lee Brewer’s list “includes everything from abstract poetry and ae freislighe to villanelle and zappai—and so many more in between.”
Somnath Sarkar’s list includes everything from classic forms to lesser known forms from around the world, like the Russian Chastushka.
Gary R. Hess’s list includes most of the forms we know with a mix of forms we don’t, like the Urdu Ghazal.
I love this database because it breaks down the forms by origin from around the world and gives you so many more options you don’t know!
“There are twenty-four official meters in Welsh verse” and this site lists them all with definitions and examples.
Don’t forget to track which forms you try in your journal and statistics tracker!
What is your favorite form of poetry to write?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media, of course!