Poetry and prose are two forms of writing. They are used to create written works, from epics to songs to novels to essays. While poetry and prose are two different forms of writing with many similarities and differences, both are valid creative art forms that preserve life’s moments.

The first major difference between poetry and prose is their form. Prose has sentences that are arranged in paragraphs; in contrast, poetry is freer-flowing and arranged into stanzas. The information presented in prose tends to be more pragmatic than in poetry. In prose form, the sentences are in paragraphs and follow each other, one after the other. The first word of each sentence is capitalized. In contrast, there is less form and less punctuation in poetry. Poetry is also organized into stanzas. The form of poetry often relies on enjambment, which is went lines must be read after one another. Poetry divides into shorter lines, instead of into multiple paragraphs which is seen in prose.

Writers often have a sense of freedom when writing prose that can be lost in poetry. With the few confinements, prose tends to be easier for writers to employ. Prose is used to compose a variety of works, such as short stories, novels, essays, plays and other literature. Prose contains normal punctuation and sometimes incorporates dialog.

On the other hand, poetic writing is used to create song lyrics and poems. Poems contain a metric structure and verses. Unless writing freestyle, most types of poems have syllable requirements and structures. The rhyme scheme is also limited to fit the criteria of a certain type of poem. Although writers are free to choose their punctuation and capitalization, they still have more confinements that they writers of prose.

Poetry is known for its vivacity and creativity. Poetry employs a myriad of literary techniques such as: alliteration, metaphors, assonance, metonymy, euphony and more. While prose also employs these techniques, it is not to the same caliber as in poetry. Poetry uses these techniques more than prose in order to make a more creative work.

Poetry and prose are both important forms of literature. Each manages to bring a writers’ creativity to life. These two forms of writing are able to take words and form them into a masterpiece that will last a lifetime.