Prose is prose because of what it includes; poetry is poetry because of what it leaves out.

When comparing poetry and prose, it is important to note that the two share some similarities. They both can be written in various styles in order to communicate ideas and thoughts. However, poetry is used more for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of its apparent meaning. On the other hand, prose is the most typical form of the English meaning, used to display one’s feelings or thoughts towards something, plainly and simply. Even the latin form of the word means “straight forward.” Simply put, poetry is more of an art where most of the time the reader has to determine the message that was trying to be sent. The reader gets to analyze each line and each description and put together the pieces of the puzzle to determine what the author wants the reader to know, but refuses to tell them. With prose, perhaps the reader may be moved by the ideas being made, but in prose meaning takes precedence, rather than the beauty of the words and ideas being used.

The language of poetry tends to be more expressive or decorated, with comparisons, rhyme, and rhythm contributing to a different sound and feel. It allows the reader to feel, hear and imagine different things just by reading certain words. For someone like me who finds it particularly hard to explain how I am feeling at a given moment, poetry allows me to use words and phrases, feelings and sounds, imagery and descriptions, to attempt to explain what goes on within the thoughts I can not seem to control. It stimulates the senses and branches out to a new form creativity, allowing one to travel beyond the words being read, and dive deep between the lines, to find the true meaning and purpose behind the words on paper.

Prose has a different effect on the reader. Although it may leave a certain effect on the reader, the effect is much more dull as compared to poetry. Prose has no formal metrical structure. It applies a natural flow of speech, and ordinary grammatical structure rather than rhythmic structure. It forces the reader to taking the writing for what it is and what it is telling them, rather than letting the mind roam free and form its own ideas and assumptions.

I think what makes poetry more appealing is the freedom that comes with it. It gives the mind a playground to run around and play in. We have the freedom to assume what a poem is trying to tell us. We have the freedom to relate a certain poem to a certain aspect of our life, perhaps to make us feel more comfortable or at ease with decisions we make in our lives. And personally, I think the best thing about poetry is that you may think that a poem is about something, while it could mean something totally different to someone else. In the words of my favorite band, “a kitchen sink to you is not a kitchen sink to me.” You have the freedom to relate what you read to your life, and give meaning to the words put in front of you.

But perhaps, at times, others may prefer prose depending on the situation it is presented in. With very little room for our own assumptions and freedom, some people may find this ideal. Some prefer to have a set explanation for why things are the way they are. They need that sense of closure or forwardness, to stop their mind from racing.